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Best foodie destinations in Japan

Japanese cuisine may have conquered the world, but you should experience it at its homeland in these food cities in Japan

If we could, we’d list just about every prefecture and city in Japan as a must-visit for food-lovers. From snowy Hokkaido to tropical Okinawa , there is enormous diversity in the ingredients and dishes found across a relatively small island nation. But in the interest of your travel itinerary and your wallet, here are ten of our top picks, each selected for their original and reliably excellent local cuisine.

It’s not all fine dining restaurants, mind you. These foodie hotspots have a good meal waiting for you on every street corner, catering to a wide range of budgets and appetites. From local markets, mom-and-pop izakaya and hole-in-the-wall noodle joints to department store basements and even Buddhist temples, there’s just too many things to eat, too little time. Nevertheless, here’s a shortlist to get you started.

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Tokyo’s dining scene is not only densely packed, with more restaurants per capita than either Paris or New York, it’s also of an exceptional standard. A great place to start with Tokyo cuisine is the ‘Four kings of Edo’ – tempura , soba , sushi and eel – the four dishes that were popular when Tokyo flourished as the nation's new capital from the late 1800s, and remain coveted today.

When it comes to sushi, pay special attention to the nigiri-style version of the dish that originated in Tokyo, officially called Edomae sushi. Mastery of this style means perfecting nuances such as the compactness of the pressed rice, or the way the fish is cut to catch seasonings and boost umami. At the Tsukiji outer market and nearby Ginza, the Edomae sushi legacy lives on, with many excellent venues offering everything from luxurious omakase sushi course-meals to quick and easy standing bar-style sushi.

The high calibre of the Tokyo dining scene is often credited to the street vendors of the Edo period (1603-1868), with the stiff competition driving up quality – a level that has seen the city become more decorated with Michelin stars than any other in the world. These accolades aren’t limited to traditional Japanese cuisine – local chefs have a knack for adopting and perfecting foreign dishes while also often infusing them with a Japanese twist – nor are they limited to those with deep pockets, as many Michelin-starred restaurants also offer cheap lunch set menus.

If Tokyo is the only destination on your agenda, you can still take a culinary journey around the country at restaurants in the city specialising in the cuisine of other prefectures . Tokyo really is the one-stop solution for everything Japanese.

As Japan’s former capital for a millennia, Kyoto developed refined dishes to cater to the local aristocracy. The hallmark of this is the elegant kaiseki cuisine, a formal tradition in which an elaborate multi-course menu is crafted around the concept of seasonality, both in terms of taste and presentation.

Tofu, often vilified for being flavourless or rubbery outside of Japan, is elevated into an art form in Kyoto. Try yudofu, silken tofu served in a light dashi broth, and yuba (tofu skin), which is milky and delicate and typically served with a mound of freshly grated wasabi. Tofu was brought to the city by Buddhist monks, and is now itself something of a religion.

The practice of tea ceremony developed in Kyoto, which means a visit to a tea house is essential. You don’t need to do the full ceremony, but do pop in for a freshly whisked matcha and wagashi (traditional tea-time sweets). And if you’re a matcha lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Kyoto’s centuries-old obsession for the green tea powder extends beyond teahouses, flavouring everything from soba noodles to tiramisu.

To kick off your Kyoto food education, the bustling Nishiki Market is a great place to start. Here, you can discover the best produce of the season, pick up some artisanal cookware, and enjoy street food from more than a hundred vendors.

Eating out in Osaka is epitomised by the local concept of ‘kuidaore’, meaning to go broke from gluttony. But this is not because the food is expensive – in fact, casual street food plays a more prominent role in Osaka than elsewhere in Japan. It’s fun to watch the makers of popular street food takoyaki, savoury treats made with a flour-based batter and filled with octopus and pickled ginger, swizzle the balls in cast-iron molds at rapid speed.

For a classic Osaka night out, head to an okonomiyaki restaurant. Meaning ‘cooked as you like it’, okonomiyaki is a savoury cabbage and dashi-infused batter pancake that is cooked DIY-style on hotplates fitted into the tables. The dish might feature additional pops of umami like bacon, squid and prawns, and the pancakes are doused in mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, pickled ginger and spring onions – or, as its name implies, however you like it.

Fugu (blowfish) is a regional speciality for adventurous diners. The unsightly fish contains tetrodotoxin poison in its organs, which is 1,200 times more lethal than cyanide – hence it must be removed by strictly licenced chefs. You can try fugu as sashimi, karaage (deep-fried), in a hotpot, and even grilled. At some venues, you might be able to try hire-zake, sake that’s infused with a torched blowfish fin.

Fukuoka City

Fukuoka’s vibrant food scene is an amalgamation of many things: a local palate that prefers strong and punchy flavours, excellent seafood, a relaxed lifestyle and a legacy of foreign influences, particularly from China and Korea. It’s here that you’ll find the birthplace of one of the four main styles of ramen – Hakata ramen. Made with a pork bone tonkotsu broth, it’s rich and milky, the favourite of many a ramen connoisseur.

Facing three different oceans, Fukuoka offers unsurprisingly excellent seafood; mentaiko – cured salmon roe – is particularly famous. Bright orange-red in colour and briny-fishy in flavour, mentaiko is added to everything from Japanese omelettes to pasta.

For a true flavour of Fukuoka, head to the neighbourhoods of Nakasu, Tenjin and Nagahama to dine out at yatai , or street food stalls. From dusk each day, these quaint little streetside vendors come alive with their bright lighting and lively spirit. Here you can feast on ramen and mentaiko, as well as other local favourites like mizutaki chicken stew, gyoza, yakitori and motsu (offal) stew.

Surrounded by pristine nature and spacious farmland, Sapporo boasts some of the freshest top-shelf ingredients in Japan. In particular, it’s the place for uni (sea urchin) and crab, which thrive in the clean ocean waters. These are found on menus throughout the city, but our hot tip is to head to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market and try fresh-off-the-boat uni, crab and other famous seafood of the region like scallops, squid and salmon.

Sapporo’s long, cold winter naturally calls for hearty and warming dishes, such as miso ramen and soup curry. Miso ramen, which hails from the city, is made on a rich base of chicken, fish or pork broth flavoured with miso paste. You can find miso ramen throughout Sapporo, but we recommend heading to the city centre ramen street, Ganso Ramen Yokocho.

Soup curry, another Sapporo original, is thinner in consistency and more complex in spices than other Japanese curries, and is served with a nourishing combination of meat and colourful vegetables.

The lush pastures around Sapporo have given rise to a thriving dairy industry. So look out for local butter, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream, all prized for their rich and creamy milk. If you’re feeling decadent, you can taste Japan’s most expensive fruit in Sapporo, the immensely fragrant and sweet Yubari melon.

As if Okinawa’s postcard-perfect beaches and tropical climate aren’t enough of a drawcard, this group of islands south of the country also sports a cuisine distinct from the Japanese mainland. Unique ingredients combined with a vibrant local culture come together in an array of dishes that are best washed down with the local spirit awamori – a clear liquor distilled from long-grain Indica rice.

Umibudo, ‘seaweed caviar’ or ‘sea grapes’, are tiny, bright green spheres of a local algae that clutch to long tendrils like bunches of grapes. Releasing a titillating salty pop in your mouth, they’re used as garnishes as well as being served topped with ponzu citrus dressing as a snack with drinks.

Bitter melon, known locally as goya, is a staple of Okinawan cuisine. Looking like a chubby, bumpy cucumber, it makes its best-known appearance in goya champo, where the bitter melon is added to scrambled eggs along with ham and bonito flakes. But beyond goya champuru, you’ll find the curious – and divisively bitter – ingredient on everything from pizza to tempura.

Meanwhile, sweet potatoes in Okinawa come in a colour to fit with the bright landscape: iridescent purple. As they’re naturally sweet, the enchanting tuber is typically used in desserts like tart or cheesecake.

Takamatsu is both the capital of Kagawa prefecture and the udon capital of Japan, thanks to the region's access to high-quality raw ingredients: wheat flour, salt and water. The local variety, called Sanuki udon, are famed for their springy, firm texture and a tasty dose of salt. There are many ways to eat udon, but one of the most popular is bukkake-udon, a chilled dish of noodles in dashi and soy stock, topped with nori, wasabi, pickled ginger, tempura flakes and a soft-boiled egg.

Takamatsu opens out to the picturesque Seto Inland Sea, meaning the port city boasts an array of premium seafood, in particular Spanish mackerel, yellowtail, sea bream and octopus. The nearby islands also have a history of growing olives, and the little green fruit finds their way into an array of local dishes, from olive somen noodles to Sanuki-gyu (wagyu raised on olives), olive yumebuta (pigs raised on olives) and even olive-raised yellowtail fish.

For something sweet, look out for wasanbon, pretty little candies in pastel colours that are made from local sugarcane and shaped into seasonal forms using wooden molds (cherry blossoms in spring, goldfish in summer, etc). The tradition of making wasanbon dates back several hundred years to the Edo period (1603-1868).

Located on the western coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture is blessed with premium seafood from the sparkling Sea of Japan, with many varieties signature to the area, such as nodoguro (black-throat seaperch), gasu-ebi prawns and snow crab. Try seafood prepared all sorts of ways – grilled on a skewer, cooked into a croquette or raw on a bowl of sushi rice – at the popular indoor Omicho Market, or head to one of the many sushi restaurants around the city.

Kanazawa was formerly known as Kaga, a feudal domain during the Edo period famous for its samurai culture and distinctive Kaga cuisine. History lives on in the traditional dishes from the era, such as like jibuni (poultry stew), hasu-mushi (lotus root dumplings in a thick broth) and kabura-zushi (pickled turnip and yellowtail fish marinated in koji).

As you walk the streets of Kanazawa, particularly through the atmospheric historical teahouse district, Higashi Chayagai, you’ll find many homewares and craftwork embellished with gold leaf detail. But it’s not just handicrafts that get the gold treatment – you can indulge yourself with a gold-topped soft-serve to feel like royalty. 

A must-visit for any wagyu enthusiast, mountain town Takayama is famed for its premium Hida beef. Hida is the name of the northern region of Gifu prefecture, and to be designated Hida beef the wagyu cattle must be raised in the prefecture for at least 14 months, plus meet requirements set by an official grading association. The meat is prized for its intense marbling, umami-rich flavour and melt-in-your-mouth buttery softness. 

Hida beef is served in many ways – as sushi, in a croquette, skewered and cooked over charcoal – and many of these can be experienced at the Miyagawa Morning Market, and at very reasonable prices. Located by the Miyagawa river, the market is an idyllic place for a stroll from 8am-12pm daily, to browse other local specialties and souvenirs, and take in the crisp air of Japan’s Alpine region.

Other classic Takayama dishes are influenced by its mountainous locale and climate, like Hoba miso and goheimochi. The former is a dish cooked on magnolia leaves. Novelty aside, the result is a rich and aromatic mix of ingredients such as leeks, shiitake mushrooms and Hide beef. The toasty goheimochi, on the other hand, are skewers of pounded rice cakes glazed with a blend of miso, soy sauce, walnuts and sesame, then grilled over charcoal. It’s a wonderfully moreish snack. 

Mt Koya, or Koya-san

In a picturesque setting atop Mount Koya in Wakayama prefecture is a Buddhist temple complex dating back to 816 AD, also a UNESCO World Heritage site . Visitors are drawn to this sacred spot for its zen, meditative atmosphere and wholesome shojin ryori cuisine, the traditional food of Japanese Buddhist monks.

Some of the principles of shojin ryori include no animal products, seasonal ingredients and nutritional balance, with ingredients like lotus root, daikon, aubergine, pumpkin, cucumber, sweet potato, yuba (tofu skin), soy milk, natto (fermented soy beans), nuts and all kinds of seaweed. These ingredients and more are made into dishes like carrot and mushroom soy milk soup; vegetable tempura; goma dofu, a ‘tofu’ made from sesame seeds rather than soybeans; kenchin soup, a creamy miso-based broth with vegetables and crumbled tofu; green beans in sesame dressing; aubergine braised in miso; and seasonal vegetables seasoned in vinegar.

When visiting Mount Koya, or Koya-san as it’s known as locally, shojin ryori meals are typically included if you stay overnight at a temple. Otherwise, many temples in the area serve meals to non-staying guests as well.

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The Best Places in Japan for Food Lovers

When it comes to food specialities, nobody does it better than Japan . Though Tokyo has everything and Kyoto is the home of traditional dishes , there are so many other places to try along the way. Taste buds tingling? Here are the best places in Japan for food lovers to visit.

Trying unfamiliar food can be fun, but it can be daunting too! Join our guided 12-day trip to Japan to ensure you always know what you’re eating, and the best places to eat it.

1. Shimoda: seafood wonderland

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Sitting on the southern point of the Izu peninsula about four hours from Tokyo is the humble port town of Shimoda. As well as being a scenic retreat from the manic energy of city life, it’s also where you’ll find some of the best seafood in the world. The town is home to a number of fish markets, while local restaurants specialise in squid, baked fish and kinmedai – a crispy golden eye snapper that’s quickly gaining popularity internationally.

2. Hokkaido: dairy, especially cheese

Natural Feature

If you head up to the more northern area of Japan you’ll get to Hokkaido prefecture. The capital is the chilly city of Sapporo, home to some of the most exciting winter festivals and the best dairy products in Japan. Though Japan may not be know for cheeses, Hokkaido does produce delicious world-class cheese. One food you cannot miss is the Hokkadio cheese tart – consider it the smaller flavour-packed cousin of the cheesecake. It’s a warm bed of gooey sweet cheese lava contained by a crispy, buttery pastry and potentially the most delicious sweet you haven’t yet tried.

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4. Osaka: takyoyaki octopus balls

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Sometimes considered the cool grittier cousin of Tokyo, Osaka has a lot going for it. But it’s their takoyaki that really brings the masses. Often referred to in English as ‘fried octopus balls’, takoyaki is the perfect on-the-go, after drinking, during drinking and everything in-between snack. It’s like a traditional form of fast food. Consisting of fried crispy batter containing tiny chewy pieces of octopus formed into golf ball-shaped bites and covered in sauce and mayonnaise.

5. Okinawa: umibudo, little salty sea grapes

Okinawa is a fascinating island. It’s home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world and some of the longest living locals too, so they must be doing something right. The one food you have try here is umibudo , also known as sea grapes. Considered a common snack, this strange seaweed consists of tiny beads that bust and release a slightly salty taste of the sea.

6. Kobe: kobe beef, of course

Kobe is probably the most famous beef in the world, and is a prized Japanese delicacy and probably the most widely known regional speciality food in Japan. One of the many breeds of wagyu, aka Japanese cattle, kobe beef is always tender, and flavourful and marbled with fat. The most common way to enjoy kobe beef is in shabu shabu (a soup filled with boiled meat), sukiyaki (Japanese hot pot) or teppanyaki , where the chef grills the meat in front of his guests.

7. Yokohama: ramen

8. Nikko: yuba, weird but delicious tofu skin

When in Nikko the one food you have to try is yuba . Basically a version of tofu, or more graphically, a food made from the surface skin that forms on top of soy milk when it gets hot – it sounds disgusting but tastes delicious. The greatest appeal of yuba is versatility – like tofu, it reflects the flavours in which it’s cooked but with a much more interesting, chewy texture. The best way to eat it is as the locals suggest, in a bowl of hot noodles.

9. Fukuoka: infamous but delicious fugu

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The 7 Japanese Foodie Destinations You Need to Visit

Japan is a foodie’s dream come true, and every city has something special to offer. Check out these 7 destinations every foodie needs to visit and find out what makes each one so delicious. After, feel free to message us with any questions you still have.

Want to make the most out of your trip? Tap into our network of local travel planners— Heroes —who build unique, locally-curated trip plans, designed just for you.  Get started .

Like any big city, Tokyo is home to a ton of national delicacies. And while hitting up every restaurant in sight should definitely be on your Tokyo to-do list , these are the specialties that the city is most famous for.

Sushi (Edo-style)

If you’ve seen Jiro Dreams of Sushi (and if you haven’t, do so ASAP), you’ll know that sushi is at its very best in Tokyo. Sushi in Tokyo is like pizza in New York; sure, you can eat it anywhere, but it’s just better here.

Pro tip: you can visit the famous Sukiyabashi Jiro yourself—just have your local trip planner make reservations!

A large, runny pancake full of meat, fish, and cabbage, is a Japanese street food that’s uniquely Tokyo. It’s so popular, in fact, Tokyo’s Tsukishima neighborhood actually has an official Monjayaki Street! Obviously, it’s the best place in Japan to try the dish. And if you like that, check out these foods to bring home from Japan . Seriously though: eating monjayaki is a total must do in Tokyo .

Every region in Japan has its own unique version of miso, but in Tokyo it's a must-do to try them all. Check out BAR 1CHIDO° for a sampler of Japan’s many styles of miso, and decide for yourself which is the best.

Osaka has been called the best food city in Japan , and it’s easy to see why. If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Japan , you could do worse than eating your way through Osaka.

A fried ball of dough stuffed with octopus, we know takoyaki might sound gross—but it’s so, so, so good. Trust us on this one. It’s also an Osaka staple, and the city boasts over 650 takoyaki restaurants (to Tokyo’s 150 or so). Head to Kougaryu for what’s often called the city’s best takoyaki.

Okonomiyaki (Osaka-style)

Similar to , okonomiyaki is a firm pancake of flour, yam, cabbage, vegetables, and meat or fish toppings of your choice—all slathered in delicious brown sauce. It can be found nearly everywhere in Osaka, from restaurants to street stalls—though Mizuno is said to grill the best okonomiyaki in the world, right in front of you.

Everyone knows tempura, the batter-fried sticks of deliciousness you can get all around the world. Kushikatsu is basically tempura’s way-more-delicious cousin. An Osaka specialty, is made by frying skewered meats, fish, and veggies in a breadcrumb mixture, giving it a deliciously crunchy texture. Nom. Head to one of Daruma’s 3 locations to try this crispy Osaka treat. 

Kyoto is home to some of the finest breweries in Japan, and a tofu craze has made the city a foodie haven. Even if you only have a few days in Kyoto , you’ll still want to stuff yourself with everything the city offers.

Kyoto recently fell in love with tofu , and you can’t blame them because WOW do they know how to make it delicious. Grilled, fried, boiled, and so on, the tofu is fan-freaking- (and everywhere). If you’re looking for the best in the city, have your local trip planner create a custom tofu crawl just for you.

Japan’s national spirit (as in alcohol, not ghosts), sake is at its very best in Kyoto. The city’s Fushimi district  boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of sake breweries and even has its own sake museum . Take a tour, grab and drink, and enjoy the liquid delicacy of Kyoto in for yourself—it’s an absolute must-do while you’re in Japan .

If you’re a meat eater, you know where we’re going with this. Kobe is a great city on its own, but it’s also is a must-visit for any Japanese excursion . Because eating Kobe beef in Kobe is something you have to earn.

Frankly, you’d be silly not to indulge. Kobe beef is known as the very best in the world, and maybe the best restaurant to try it at is Steak Aoyama , which has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 50 years. Make sure to have your trip planner make you a reservation.

Not a steak person? No problem. Kobe is also known for its gyoza—delicious fried dumplings filled with seafood, meat, or veggies. Chaochao Sanjō Kiyamachi is said to make the best in the city, but you should probably eat a bunch just to be sure. You know, for science.

#5: Hiroshima

Every dish you love across Japan is made awesome and original all over again in Hiroshima, all of them deserving to be eaten—but especially these local favorites.

Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style)

Sure Osaka’s Okonomiyaki is the “classic” way to do it, but Hiroshima’s version might be even better. Pressing noodles between two crepes to make essentially sandwich, it’s Hiroshima’s crowning culinary achievement. This dish alone makes Hiroshima a must-visit Japanese destination for any foodie, so head to Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori for some of the best in the city.

Again—you can find noodles all across Japan. But Hiroshima has , which is an original take on ramen that involves dipping cooled noodles into a hot and spicy broth, promising Hiroshima-style kickass flavors. This dish is not for the faint of heart, so have a local  point you to the best spicy noodle goodness around.

#6: Yokohama

Despite being one of the biggest cities in Japan, people often miss getting to Yokohama. But going here is a treat all on its own because it features some of the best ramen in the country and has an omelet dish that you didn’t know you’ve been missing out on all your entire life.

Yokohama is such a well-known ramen destination, there’s even a museum dedicated to it ! Forget the junk ramen you ate in college—Yokohama’s flavors range from spicy to savory and beyond. You can find delicious ( and affordable ) ramen across the city, and your travel planner can find some of the best restaurants for you (because there’s almost too much to love).

Omurice is technically an omelet… but it’s SO much more than that. It’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious—if you don’t believe us, watch how it's made and get to Yokohama ASAP to try it for yourself.

Only a short train ride away from Kyoto , Nagoya is one of Japan’s hidden gems—for food as well as fun.

Hitsumabushi

A dish you won’t find anywhere else in the world, is a grilled eel-and-rice dish that will seriously make you want to move to Nagoya. Head to Houraiken for some of the best around.

Katsu is a popular fried pork dish across Japan (and the world), but Nagoya’s spin on the delicacy takes it to another level. Instead of serving the cutlet with a traditional broth, Nagoya katsu is served with a thick miso sauce that could be described as “a revelation.”

More questions about where to eat in Japan? Talk to one of our Japanese travel experts or message us directly. Plus, check out:

• Connect with a Local to Plan Your Trip
• The Best of Japan 2024
• Experiencing Japan Off The Beaten Track
• The Best Day Trips from Tokyo 2024
• What Reddit Taught Me About Japan

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Things to Do Food & Drink in Japan Experience Japan's rich food and drink culture in its izakaya, restaurants, ryokan and ryotei

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Food in Japan: 32 Popular Dishes You Need to Try on Your Next Visit

Satisfy your cravings for food in Japan with our list of 32 must-try Japanese dishes. From teppan to ramen to gyoza , we've got you covered.

Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide, but there are numerous other dishes to sample besides sushi . While many are familiar with sashimi , tempura , and ramen , Japanese culinary culture is much more diverse. If you are planning a trip to Japan, you may wonder what foods are worth trying. To assist you in making a decision, we have assembled a list of 32 delectable Japanese dishes that everyone should experience.

1. Buta-No-Shogayaki (豚の生姜焼き): The 'B-Grade Gourmet' Ginger Pork Classic

Buta-No-Shogayaki is one of the most popular and delicious Japanese dishes that you can find in many restaurants, izakayas (traditional Japanese restaurant/ bars ), fast food chains, and even as a bento box (a pre-prepared Japanese-style lunch) available in many grocery stores and convenience stores . The word "yaki" literally means "grilled." This dish is prepared by grilling thin slices of pork that are dressed with a delicate sauce made of mirin, soy sauce, sake (Japanese rice wine), granola oil, sliced onions, and ginger. This dish is perfect for a quick and tasty meal that you can enjoy any time of the year.

2. Champon (ちゃんぽん): The Essence of Japanese Noodles

At first glance, Champon might be mistaken for ramen , but it is actually a unique dish in its own right. Originating from Nagasaki , it was first served in a Chinese restaurant during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Unlike ramen , the noodles used in Champon are boiled in the soup itself, giving it a distinctive taste and texture. Champon is a seasonal dish that uses a combination of ingredients such as pork, seafood , and vegetables. These are fried in lard before a soup made from chicken and pig bones is added to create a flavorful broth. As a result, each serving of Champon is different and offers a unique experience that varies depending on where you eat it. In fact, Champon is not just limited to Nagasaki ; it can be found in many countries throughout Asia and in different regions of Japan. Each place puts its own spin on the dish, creating a diverse range of styles and flavors that are sure to satisfy your appetite.

3. Edamame (枝豆): The Irresistible Boiled Soybean Snack

Edamame are not technically a dish, but they are a very popular food in Japan. These are immature soybeans that are still in their pods. They can be served hot or cold, and sometimes grilled instead of boiled. Typically, they are only dressed with salt, and they make for an amazing appetizer. Once you try a few, you'll find yourself reaching for more and more. Edamame usually accompany a meal in all izakaya , and they are almost always part of the menu in the vast majority of Japanese restaurants in Japan.

4. Fugu (ふぐ): The Delicate Dance with Pufferfish

For those looking not only for amazing food in Japan, but also for a thrilling experience, fugu is the dish to try! The fugu is a pufferfish that is, yes, delicious, but it can also be lethal due to a toxin in some parts of its body. Fugu is usually served as sashimi or in certain kinds of Japanese nabe hot pots . The preparation of this fish, due to its characteristics, is rigidly controlled by the Japanese government. Chefs who aspire to prepare this fish must undergo at least three years of very rigorous training to get their license. Before being served, the toxic parts of the fish are removed, making it safe to serve. Interestingly, fugu liver is considered the tastiest part of the fish, but it’s also the one that can be the most poisonous. As a result, serving fugu liver was outlawed in Japan in 1984. Should you try this dish, you’ll certainly remain amazed by its taste, but do careful research before ordering it in a restaurant (and never try to prepare it by yourself).

5. Gyoza (餃子): The Delightful Journey of Japanese Dumplings

Gyoza are dumplings that are shaped like a crescent moon. They are a popular dish in Japanese restaurants and can be found almost everywhere, regardless of their style. Although originally from China, the types of gyoza you will find in Japan are usually quite different from the original. There are various types of gyoza available in Japan, but one of the most popular is "yaki- gyoza ". These dumplings are made with minced pork, cabbage, garlic, onion, and ginger. They are then lightly fried until they become crispy and turn a nice dark golden color. You can enjoy gyoza with a dip made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spicy oil.

6. Gyudon (牛丼): The Bowl of Beefy Goodness

Gyudon is a mouth-watering dish consisting of beef served over rice (gyu = beef). It is a quick meal that is often served in specific restaurants or Japanese fast-food chains such as Yoshinoya. To make this dish, thinly sliced beef and tender onion are simmered in dashi broth (a popular Japanese ingredient) and then seasoned with mirin and soy sauce. The dish is then served over a bowl of steamed rice. Sometimes, it is topped with a lightly cooked egg. If you want to experience a typical Tokyo office worker’s lunch break, this quick and tasty dish is a must-try. You will feel full and satisfied, and ready to continue your sightseeing and exploration with renewed energy.

7. Gyukatsu (牛カツ): The Lure of the Beef Cutlet

If you're fond of tonkatsu , a popular pork-based dish, you should definitely give its beef variation a try. This dish involves deep-fried breaded beef, which is served with a side of cabbage, barley rice, miso soup, potato salad, and pickles. The preparation method results in a tender and crunchy texture, and the dish has a flavorful taste that's not too overwhelming. Although it's not as commonly available as the pork version, if you do happen to come across it, it's definitely worth trying.

8. Gyutan (牛タン): An Ode to Beef Tongue Delicacies

At first glance, this dish may seem unusual depending on where you're from, but we encourage you to keep reading. Gyutan is a dish made of grilled beef tongue, as the name suggests - "gyu" meaning cow and "tan" meaning tongue. This dish is typically found in yakiniku restaurants, prepared with salt or various sauces (often including lemon) and scallions. The meat is thin, delicious, and tender. Gyutan originated in Sendai, where the owner of a yakitori restaurant opened a new establishment in 1948 which offered gyutan. Since then, the dish has become increasingly popular throughout Japan. Give it a try and you'll quickly see why!

9. Karaage (から揚げ): Japan's Tasty Fried Chicken

When you arrive in Japan, you will instantly notice the popular Japanese fried chicken dish called karaage. Although karaage usually consists of chicken, some regions may use other meats such as pork. The meat is lightly coated with wheat flour or potato starch and is then deep-fried in oil. In some cases, the meat is marinated before cooking. Karaage is typically served with a slice of lemon, but it can be enjoyed with or without it. Restaurants, street-food carts, izakaya , and convenience stores frequently serve the chicken variety of karaage. It's a delicious, fast, and affordable dish. However, the only downside is that it's so tasty, it can be addictive!

10. Katsudon (カツ丼): The Breaded Pork Bowl

If you're a fan of beef bowl dishes like gyudon, you'll love Katsudon, a similarly popular Japanese dish made with pork. This tasty and affordable meal is often overlooked by foreign visitors, but can be found in many restaurants and Japanese-style fast food chains. The dish consists of a bowl of rice topped with deep-fried pork cutlet, egg, vegetables, and condiments, making it the perfect option for those on the go. Although it's a common dish in Japan, there are several varieties to choose from, including those served with tonkatsu sauce, demi katsudon (a specialty of Okayama ), shio-katsudon (flavored with salt), or miso-katsu (originally from Nagoya). Regardless of which type you choose, you're sure to enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!

11. Kushikatsu (串カツ): Thrilling Skewered Deep-Fried Treats

Kushikatsu , also known as kushiage, is a delicious dish consisting of crunchy deep-fried skewered meat, fish, or vegetables. The name of the dish refers to the way it is prepared, with "Kushi" meaning skewers and "katsu" referring to the deep frying of a meat cutlet. Kushikatsu can be made using a variety of ingredients, including bamboo shoots, lotus root, cartilage (nankotsu), and gizzard (sunagimo). Each ingredient has its unique flavor and texture, making the dish even more exciting to taste. Apart from the different ingredients, there are also several geographical varieties of Kushikatsu . For example, Osaka and Tokyo (which also serves pork rib kushikatsu ) prepare the meat slightly differently and dress it with brown sauce. In Nagoya, Kushikatsu is served with doteni, a rich miso-based dish with beef tendon, offal , and daikon radish. The region also uses different sauces and batter to prepare the dish.

12. Miso Soup (味噌汁): The Soul-Warming Broth

Miso soup is an unavoidable dish when it comes to talking about food in Japan. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be served with almost any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This simple yet flavorful soup makes a fantastic side dish to complement the rest of your food. Dashi, one of the primary ingredients in miso soup, is mixed with miso paste, which is made by fermenting soybeans, to create this famous soup. Other ingredients are added according to individual preferences. Typically, miso soup is served with tofu , scallions, and wakame seaweed. However, other ingredients such as daikon, shrimp, fish, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, or meat can also be added. Miso soup is highly recommended during the cold winter months, and it is a must-try dish before leaving Japan.

13. Nabe (鍋): Enjoy Japan's Hot Pot Culture

Nabe refers to a cooking pot, and in Japanese, it can also be referred to as "nabemono," which translates to "things in a cooking pot." While the name suggests that it's a simple dish, in reality, there are many variations of nabe in Japan. It's a popular dish throughout the year but is particularly enjoyed during colder months. Nabe is a dish that can be enjoyed both in Japanese restaurants and at home. The preparation involves boiling a variety of ingredients such as meat, fish, shellfish, vegetables, and tofu in seasoned or unseasoned water. Sumo wrestlers are known to be big fans of nabe , especially "chanko nabe ," which usually includes meatballs, chicken, vegetables, and noodles. It's designed to be served with extra ingredients so that wrestlers can gain weight. Another popular variation of nabe is shabu-shabu , named after the sound made when thinly-sliced meat is dipped into boiling water. This dish is served with beef or pork, vegetables, and tofu and is enjoyed with a sesame dipping sauce or ponzu, which is a lemon-based dressing, or a combination of both. Sukiyaki is a sweeter version of shabu-shabu where the ingredients are stewed in sweetened water and soy sauce and then enjoyed with a raw egg dip. Yose nabe , which means "putting together," is a nabe variety where all the ingredients, such as meat, fish, vegetables, and tofu , are cooked together in the pot at the same time. This dish is usually based on a soup of miso or soy sauce. There are many types of nabe available in Japan, and it's definitely worth trying them all to find your favorite!

14. Natto (納豆): The Fermented Soybean Sensation

Natto, a fermented soybean dish, is a staple in the daily diet of most Japanese people. However, it's a type of food that many foreigners find unappetizing due to its strong smell and sticky consistency. Despite this, natto is a genuine Japanese delicacy that is worth trying at least once. Typically served with rice and dipped in soy sauce or spicy mustard, natto can be an acquired taste. It may take some getting used to, but don't let that intimidate you from giving it a try. You might be surprised to find that you enjoy it and have a more Japanese palate than you thought!

15. Oden (おでん): The Wintry Delight of Japan

Oden is a delicious and warming dish that is perfect for cold winter days. It is a type of one-pot meal made with various ingredients, such as eggs, konjac, fish cakes , and daikon, all served in a dashi and soy soup. Although some restaurants specialize in preparing this dish, you can easily find oden in many Japanese fast-food chains and convenience stores . Oden can be prepared in different ways, and its name may even vary depending on the region. For instance, in Nagoya, it may be known as Kanto-ni. Additionally, the soups used to boil the ingredients can also differ depending on the area. Oden is an inexpensive and unique dish that you will never tire of, particularly if you are traveling through different cities in Japan.

16. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き): Japan's Savory Pancake Paragon

If you're traveling to Japan, trying out the various types of okonomiyaki , a staple dish, is a must. This savory dish, which can be compared to a Japanese frittata or pancake, is made using a wide range of ingredients, as suggested by its name's etymology (meaning "what you like" or "how you like" + "grilled"). Two of the most popular varieties of okonomiyaki are the Kansai-style and the Hiroshima -style. The Kansai version is the most common, with a batter prepared using flour, nagaimo (a kind of yam), dashi (or water), eggs, cabbage, pork belly, octopus, squid, shrimp, mochi, or cheese, and konjac. Osaka is particularly well-known for its okonomiyaki , as it is believed to be the dish's birthplace. In the Hiroshima -style, the ingredients are arranged in layers rather than mixed together. Toppings usually include noodles such as yakisoba or udon , eggs, and a lot of sauce. There are many other types of okonomiyaki available in various regions of Japan, such as Tokushima , Hamamatsu, and Okinawa . If you're in Tokyo, you should visit the Tsukishima district , which is famous for both okonomiyaki and monjayaki. On Monja Street , you can try monjayaki, a dish similar to okonomiyaki but with a less dense texture and different ingredients.

17. Omuraisu (オムライス): The Enchanting Omelette Rice Creation

The name of this flavorful dish derives from the contraction of the words omelet and rice. Omuraisu, as the name suggests, is an omelet filled with fried rice and usually topped with ketchup. The dish seems to have originated in Tokyo, in a western-style restaurant, roughly 100 years ago. You’ll find this dish in most Japanese cafes that also serve food, as well as in several restaurants. If you’re staying with friends from Japan, chances are they’ll know how to prepare it, as it’s a common dish among Japanese people. Once again, a filling, cheap, and tasty one-dish meal that will certainly be popular among adult visitors, as well as children!

18. Onigiri (おにぎり): The Staple Rice Ball Delight

Have you ever come across the famous Japanese rice ball, the onigiri, in an anime , movie, video or documentary? Although it is not a very common menu item in restaurants, it is considered the king of on-the-go dishes and can be found in almost every grocery and convenience store . The onigiri is a simple rice ball that can be flavored with spices or filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, fish, seafood , and more. Depending on the region and one's preference, it can be wrapped in a sheet of flavored or unflavored nori (seaweed). While sightseeing in Japan, many people tend to eat mainly onigiri due to its cheap price (usually under 200 yen), availability, and simplicity.

19. Ramen(ラーメン): The Delectable World of Noodles and Broth

Ramen is a well-known dish globally, especially the instant variety. However, in Japan, the authentic version is far superior to its instant counterpart in terms of taste and variety. The broth for ramen can be made from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or vegetables, flavored with soy sauce, miso, dashi, and many other seasonings. It is usually served with scallion, seaweed, tofu , and bamboo shoots, but there are countless other combinations to choose from. Each region and restaurant has its unique recipe, leading to original and delicious meals. The noodles used in ramen are also specially made and have a soft yet chewy texture. The most common soup stocks used for ramen are miso, salt, soy sauce, and curry . Ramen is the go-to meal for the Japanese after a long day or night out, and it's commonly regarded as fast food . It's typically served hot, although some variations can be served cold, and it's a favorite on cold days.

20. Robatayaki (炉端焼き): The Art of Fireside Cooking

Robatayaki (or robata) is a unique Japanese cuisine in which food is grilled on an irori style fireplace (wide, flat, open fireplace) over charcoal. This particular dish is usually found only in specialized restaurants, so you may have to look/ask specifically for it. The list of food at robata restaurants is everything you can think of, although traditionally it is a combination of seafood and vegetables. Most visitors miss this amazing food in Japan. Make sure you taste a real slice of Japan by looking for a good robata (there are many in Tokyo and all over Japan).

21. Soba (蕎麦): The Buckwheat Noodle Escapade

Soba is a type of noodle made from buckwheat flour, which is a specialty dish from Japan. It is a very popular dish and can be found in both general noodle restaurants and specialized, often expensive ones. Preparing soba at home is relatively simple, as you can buy the noodles and soup in which they are dipped from a grocery store . Soba can be enjoyed in different ways, either in a cold dip or a broth as a noodle soup. This dish comes in various varieties depending on the region and the season you are visiting. Don't forget to try a soba dish next time you visit a restaurant in Japan!

22. Somen (そうめん): Delightful Thin Noodles

Somen is the Japanese version of a prevalent kind of noodle across Asia. Made out of wheat flour, it’s usually served cold. These skinny noodles are served with a simple cold dipping sauce or a sauce flavored with onion, ginger, and myoga (a different kind of ginger). This dish is particularly popular in summer when a dish of somen chilled with ice cubes is all you need to recharge, fill up, cool off, and take a break from the brutal Japanese summer heat.

23. Sushi and Sashimi (寿司 & 刺身): The Raw Elegance of Japanese Cuisine

Sushi and sashimi are among the most famous foods in Japanese cuisine . They are regarded as an art form, with sushi chefs often practicing as apprentices for years before being considered masters. Despite their popularity, many people fail to understand the variety of cuts and preparation that go into creating these dishes. However, good quality sushi and sashimi can be found in Japan at a fair price. There are options available for all palates and budgets. One unique dining experience in Japan is offered by rolling sushi restaurants, where you order from a tablet at your table and the sushi is served to you via a rolling mat. At these restaurants, known as 100 yen- sushi or sushiro, each dish costs only 100 yen and the food is excellent. A dish that is often missing outside of Japan is temaki zushi, or hand-rolled sushi . While you can find restaurants offering this dish, it's a fun and easy dish to make at home. You'll need sushi rice, thin slices of your favorite fish, seaweed sheets, and any other ingredients you'd like to add. Common ingredients include cucumber, crab, avocado, and wasabi. To make temaki zushi, spread the rice on a sheet of seaweed, add your fillings, roll the seaweed into a cylinder or cone, and enjoy with soy sauce. If you're in Japan, consider proposing a temaki zushi party - it's sure to be a hit!

24. Takowasa (たこわさ): The Wasabi Octopus Experience

Takowasa is raw octopus (tako) served in a wasabi sauce (wasa). This is one of those Japanese dishes that, depending on your cultural background, may appear weird. Do try it out! Takowasa is a common appetizer in many restaurants, especially in an izakaya . It’s very popular and for a good reason. It’s tasty, unique, and a true symbol of Japanese popular food tradition.

25. Tempura (天ぷら): Japan's Light and Crispy Masterpiece

Tempura is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year, especially for those who love to socialize with friends over drinks. Tempura typically includes shellfish, fish, chicken, or vegetables coated in a flavorful batter and then deep-fried to a perfect level of crunchiness. You can savor tempura as is, or with a dipping sauce. While many restaurants offer this dish, some specialize in it, providing a wider range of options for an even more fantastic immersion into traditional Japanese cuisine .

26. Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き): The Theatrical Grilling Artform

Teppanyaki is a Japanese style of cooking that is not very well known but still absolutely delicious. The word Teppan means iron plate, while yaki means grilled. The term Teppanyaki is used to refer to a wide variety of dishes, including okonomiyaki , yakisoba, and monjayaki. However, it's typically used to describe a particular type of western-influenced food preparation. Typical ingredients for Teppanyaki dishes are beef, shrimp, vegetables, chicken, and scallops. These ingredients are cooked on a hotplate, usually with soybean oil. Some of you may be familiar with this type of cooking because in the United States, Teppanyaki restaurants are quite popular, although they're known as hibachi. If you visit Japan and want to try some amazing food that blends the best of Japan and the West, you should definitely give Teppanyaki a try.

27. Tonkatsu (とんかつ): The Crispy Pork Cutlet

Tonkatsu is a popular and easy-to-find Japanese dish consisting of a breaded pork cutlet that is deep-fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. You can easily find this delicious and affordable dish in many chain restaurants, grocery stores , and convenience stores , or you can even make it at home! To prepare the dish, season the meat with salt and pepper, coat it in flour, dip it in beaten egg, and cover it with panko (Japanese bread crumbs). Then, deep fry the cutlet until crispy and serve it with cabbage, potato salad, and a brown sauce or karashi. Tonkatsu is also great for making sandwiches, making it the perfect meal on-the-go.

28. Udon (うどん): Glorious Thick Noodles

Japan has a wide variety of noodles, and udon is one of the most popular, just like ramen . Udon is a thick noodle made from wheat flour, which you can enjoy either in its simplest form - with broth made of dashi, mirin, and soy sauce - or in many different combinations. For a hearty meal, try it with tempura , or for a more delicate taste, with tofu . Udon can be served hot or cold, depending on the season or your personal preference, and the style of preparation varies depending on the region you're visiting. Although the word " udon " refers to the noodles themselves, there are no limits to the flavors, soups, and ingredients that can be added. As a matter of fact, challenge yourself to try out as many styles of udon as possible during your trip to Japan. Not only will you be satisfied, but you'll also be nowhere near the end of the list of possible dishes!

29. Yakiniku (焼き肉): Grilled Meat, the Japanese Way

Yakiniku is a style of cooking that involves grilling meat, also known as Korean or Japanese barbecue. While Korean-style barbecue typically involves marinated meats, Japanese-style barbecue does not. Yakiniku restaurants are very popular and offer a wide range of options, from high-end to budget-friendly, with some even offering all-you-can-eat menus. When dining at a yakiniku restaurant, you can choose from a vast selection of meat or vegetables, seasoned or unseasoned, which you then grill yourself on a hot plate or grill embedded within your table. You can then add various sauces, such as lemon, BBQ, and many others, or simply salt and pepper to taste.

30. Yakisoba (焼きそば): Tasty Fried Noodles

Yakisoba is a Japanese dish that consists of grilled soba noodles and is usually served at festivals. However, you can also make yakisoba by stir-frying the noodles. You can add various ingredients such as pork, fish, or vegetables and enhance the flavor with toppings like seaweed powder, ginger, and fish flakes. Finally, add sauces such as oyster sauce to give it a delicious taste.

31. Yakitori (焼き鳥): Savory Grilled Skewers

Yakitori , which literally means grilled chicken, actually refers to all kinds of skewered meat (as well as vegetables) cooked on a grill. This dish is simple yet flavorful, and there are countless combinations of ingredients to try. You can find Yakitori in many restaurants and specialty shops. When you visit a good izakaya , it is highly recommended to try this popular Japanese food .

32. Yakizakana (焼き魚): Grilled Fish Delicacies

While in Japan, it's essential to try grilled fish, Yakizakana. Although sushi is more famous outside Japan, raw fish is not as common as grilled fish in the country. Typically, a whole fish is grilled and served with side dishes consisting of various vegetables and rice. You can try it at specialized restaurants for an immersive experience or at chain restaurants for a delicious, inexpensive, and quick meal that will keep you energized for several hours of sightseeing ahead.

You’re now on the way to become a true expert on food in Japan! Yet there’s much more to Japanese cuisine that can be discovered! While visiting this amazing country and taking in all the sights, the fun, and the culture, don’t forget to eat!

Written by:

Lucio Maurizi

Lucio Maurizi is an automotive expert specializing in Japan's car scene and auto-tourism. With an MA in East Asian History from La Sapienza Università di Roma, he's a multi-talented contributor to travel platforms like LIVE JAPAN, Japan Travel, and GPlus Media. His Instagram account (50k+ followers) offers insider views on Japan's automotive culture. Lucio also actively collaborates with professional drivers and influencers and organizes can't-miss car events in Tokyo. Instagram: @italian_in_japan Other links: https://linktr.ee/italianinjapan

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Food focused two week japan itinerary – 14 days of eating well.

We’ve taken several trips to Japan over the last decade, each time staying a bit longer and exploring a bit more than the last. I know many travelers don’t have the same flexibility in their schedules as we do. If you have the opportunity to spend two weeks in Japan, though, we want to ensure you eat well and drink well. Because Japan is one of the top culinary travel destinations in the world. In this post, I share our tips on how to plan a trip to Japan with a 14 day itinerary. 

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A 14 Day Trip To Japan For People Who Travel For Food

Most itineraries focus on the top Japan destinations, including Tokyo and Kyoto. There is always a focus on the “top things to see” and always includes plenty of visits to museums and temples. We include some of those activities in this guide. 

But our real focus in this Japan travel blog is to focus on unique food experiences, those experiences that make Japan unique. This includes  food tours , sake tastings, and plenty of recommendations on where and what to eat in Japan. 

Another way this itinerary is different from others is that it goes beyond Tokyo and Kansai, which includes Kyoto and Osaka. Sure we include those cities as well. But our suggestions go a little bit beyond for a more authentic experience in Japan.  

Only Have A Week In Japan? Check Out Our 7 Day Japan Itinerary  

Help With Planning Your Japan Two Week Itinerary  

Luggage : We used our Eagle Creek Load Warrior luggage for this trip. I always recommend packing light and if using the trains in Japan this is particularly important. Escalators and elevators are not readily available. And, most hotel rooms in Japan are pretty small. It can be hard to find space for large luggage! Even for a 2 week trip in Japan, it is possible to do laundry at least once or twice during your trip so it’s possible to pack light.

Rental cars : If you decide to rent a car in Japan, we recommend  RentalCars.com . They compare prices at the top rental car companies to get you the best deal. 

Rail Passes : Train travel is really efficient in Japan, particularly between our recommended cities. Check out the 14 Day Japan Rail Pass  to help get you around. A rail pass must be purchased ahead of time before your arrival in Japan and is best purchased from Japan Rail Pass. 

Eating at an izakaya in Kyoto

Best Japan Destinations For Food Travelers

Tokyo  – Many travelers arrive or depart from Tokyo so it’s understandably on everyone’s itinerary. It’s a big city, with bright lights, and Japan to the extreme.

Osaka  – The destination for food travelers in Japan. Known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka is known for “kuidaore,” which essentially translates to eat until you drop or eat until you bankrupt yourself. This is why it’s one of our favorite cities. 

Kyoto  – The city of culture and temples, Kyoto is also one of the top sake producing regions in the country.

Wakayama  – Just south of Osaka and Kyoto, Wakayama is often overlooked by travelers. It’s an easy addition to any Japan trip itinerary. It’s a destination with a focus on fresh fish and seafood, ramen, and Buddhist Monastery lodgings.

Kobe  – The home of world-famous Kobe beef and easily visited as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.

Sapporo  – The great white north of Japan and the city that is one of the snowiest in the world. It’s also home to its own unique cuisine unlike elsewhere in Japan.

Visiting a sake brewery in Kyoto

Guided Tours Of Japan 

We will provide tips on how to plan your own Japan 2 week itinerary, but I understand that Japan can be difficult to manage on your own. We have some recommendations for guided tours that included between 12 and 14 day itineraries. 

Intrepid Travel offers a  12 day Real Food Adventure In Japan . It hits some of our favorite food cities in the Kansai region of Japan. That includes Osaka, Kyoto, and  Kyosan  in Wakayama. Along the way, travelers learn to make  sushi , eat street food, and stay the night in a Buddhist monastery. These are all food experiences we’ve had in Japan and would totally recommend. We took an Intrepid Real Food Adventure in Morocco and learned a lot about the food culture. Learn more about Intrepid’s Japan tour . 

As an alternative, G Adventures offers a small group tour for 14 days in Japan that departs from and returns to Tokyo. The  Discover Japan Tour  visits Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and other interesting cities. There is more of a focus on culture and history than the Intrepid Tour but includes interesting food experiences. This includes visiting a sake brewery and dining in kaiseki cuisine in  Kyoto. Learn more about the G Adventures Discover Japan Tour .

Eating ramen in Sapporo in Winter

Tips For Traveling to Japan For The First Time

Planning a trip to Japan for the first time can be entirely intimidating. That’s why booking a group tour can help. But, there are ways to plan an independent journey as well. We have a few key tips for first-timers to help make things easier. 

Picture Menus Are Your Friend

When it comes to selecting restaurants in most touristy cities, we always recommend avoiding places with picture menus. This advice goes out the door in Japan. Many restaurants have picture menus, for both travelers and locals. The picture menus are your friend. 

Almost every place we ate in Japan included picture menus with English descriptions. A few did not. Where they didn’t we relied on Google Translate to take pictures of the menu or to do an instant translation. But, this only works when you are online.

Japan Travel Guide Pro Tip

We use KeepGo for international data. It’s an international sim card that works in over 120 countries without setting up service in each country you visit. It doesn’t make a difference what kind of mobile service you have at home. You just register the sim before leaving home. It works on arrival in Japan. We had 4G access in Japan with KeepGo .

Japan Is A Cash-Based Society

Cash is still king in Japan. We were able to charge some meals, but most of the time we paid cash. This is particularly true in smaller places. We used ATMs to withdraw cash as we went. ATMs are not as easily found as in other cities. Look for them in the convenience stores like 7-11, Lawson, or Family Mart. 

Don’t Try To Fit Too Much Into Your Itinerary

Imagine someone trying to see all of the US in a two week trip, impossible, right? Japan may be a smaller country, but there is so much to see and do. Even within a single city, there are loads of great activities, neighborhoods to explore, and food to eat. Don’t rush it and don’t try to cram everything into a short amount of time. 

Our recommendations in this post make a great first time in Japan itinerary. In two weeks you can experience a lot of Japan, but I wouldn’t recommend visiting more than 4 cities. The movement in between, even with high speed trains, can be exhausting. 

Also, consider basing yourself in a city like Osaka and taking day trips to Kyoto, Koyasan, Nara, and Kobe, to see a lot without the constant checking-in and checking-out of hotels and packing and repacking. You can access each of these cities in less than an hour from Osaka.

Visiting Temples In Wakayama

Food And Drink Experiences In Japan

There are loads of interesting and unique things to do in Japan. Some of these experiences relate to food and drink and others focus on culture and history. This is a great place to start your own Japan trip planner for how to spend 2 weeks in Japan.

• Visit a  Robot Restaurant in Tokyo  for one of the most unique dining experiences in the world
• Exploring traditional local markets including Kuromon in Osaka and Nishiki Market in Kyoto
• Tracking down the top street food in Dotonbori , Osaka’s food street 
• Book a food tour in Osaka  or a Kyoto cooking class  to learn more about Japanese food culture on a half-day or full-day tour 
• Eat some of the best Japanese sushi  of your life, by visiting a conveyor belt sushi restaurant or a traditional sushi-ya
• Track down the best bowl of ramen  in one of the official or unofficial ramen streets. 
• Go  Japanese craft beer bar hopping and learn about Japanese craft beer trends 
• Enjoy a kaiseki meal at a traditional Japanese ryokan
• Spend the night at a Buddhist monastery and learn about shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
• Eat some of the best beef in the world –  Kobe beef
• Tour a  Japanese sake brewery  and learn how to order sake
• Spend the evening at an izakaya, a Japanese tavern, toasting over local beer and whiskey highballs
• Dine on Japanese giant crab  and local seafood in the great white north of Japan
• Tour the famous  Sapporo Brewery  and dine on Genghis Khan

Eating sushi at a market in Osaka

How To Spend 14 Days In Japan When You Love Food

If planning your own self-guided tour of Japan, here are our recommended destinations. With a full two weeks in Japan, you can see a lot. There are two primary options here. We recommend about a half dozen cities to visit. It’s possible to visit each of them, spending approximately two nights in each. 

Or, I would recommend staying in only about three cities and doing day trips. For example, you can stay in Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo and manage to have all of the experiences mentioned in this post over two weeks.  

For each city, I recommend some of the top attractions or experiences, with a focus on food and drink. I also provide recommendations on what and where to eat and some recommended hotels. There are also links to some of our other posts for more information on some of these activities and travel tips. 

Day 1-3 Tokyo

Most people start or end their trip to Japan in Tokyo. We prefer the smaller cities for more unique experiences and recommend spending more time there. At least give yourself enough time in Tokyo to beat the  jet lag . 

Top Attractions In Tokyo

Definitely check out the Shibuya district, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Tokyo. If you’ve seen photos of Tokyo with loads of people crossing at a major intersection with neon lights and skyscrapers in the background – that’s Shibuya. It’s supposedly the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. Stop for a katsu curry at Katsuya or hit one of the ramen or soba shops. 

At night, head to the Shinjuku district, perhaps for a little karaoke and nightlife. Shinjuku is where the neon lights explode at night. There’s theater, food, bars, and plenty of people watching. 

There are also two well-known bar and restaurant alleys in Shinjuku that are must-visits: Golden Gai and Memory Lane. It’s almost like stepping back in time considering much of Tokyo is covered in high-rises. Within this area is also Harajuku. This is where young people like to show off their fashion and old people like me are left to wonder why. 

For a bit of culture, visit the  Imperia l Palace or at least wander the gardens. Or, check out the art museums and galleries in the Roppongi neighborhood. This is also where the Tokyo Tower can provide you with a birds-eye view of the city. 

Tours And Tickets For Tokyo

There are a few tours and attractions that we recommend booking ahead of time. Grab tickets for the  Tokyo Robot Restaurant , one of the most popular and unique attractions in Tokyo. To make the most of your time in Tokyo, book a food tour. This  Japanese Food And Drink Tour  includes a tour of the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market.

Where To Eat In Tokyo

In Golden Gai and Memory Lane sniff out late-night ramen and plenty of yakitori bars. In addition to Golden Gai and Memory Lane, there are a few other areas where you are guaranteed to eat well in Tokyo. Be sure to add a visit to Ginza for Michelin Star dining, including some of the most famous sushi restaurants in the world. Look for monjayaki in the Tsukishima district for Tokyo’s answer to okonomiyaki.

Where To Stay In Tokyo

We stayed at the  Sheraton Miyako  during our visit to Tokyo, but there are other options as well depending on your budget. 

Park Hyatt Tokyo : One of the most luxurious hotels in the city and known for its role in the movie Lost in Translation. Check for rates  here .

Pullman Tokyo Tamachi : A contemporary option in the center of Tokyo with a sun terrace. Check for rates  here .

Nine Hours Shinjuku : On more of a budget, or looking for a uniquely Japanese experience, this capsule hotel is the perfect option. It’s also in the nightlife center of the city. Check for rates  here . 

Day 4-5 Osaka 

I’m amazed to see how many sample Japan two week itineraries skip Osaka altogether. Sure, it doesn’t have the same concentration of temples and palaces as Tokyo or Kyoto, but you can only see so many temples on a trip before you get “templed out.”

Osaka is one of the best cities to visit if you love food and drink! From Tokyo, use the JR Rail Pass to hop the Shinkansen high-speed train to Osaka, Japan’s kitchen. 

Top Attractions In Osaka

All of the top main attractions in Osaka are located within the city center and are accessible by train. Take a walk through the gardens of  Osaka Castle  or catch the view from a boat tour of the Dotonbori Canal. Explore  Kuromon Market  for street eats and hit Dotonbori, Osaka’s famous food street at night. At night, just wander through one of the many shopping and eating districts, including Namba, and Shinsaibashi. 

Tours And Tickets For Osaka

If you want to make the most of your time in Osaka and want to experience all the main sights, pick up the Osaka Amazing Pass. It offers free admission to loads of different sites including Osaka Castle, plus offers unlimited train and bus rides as well.

Osaka is also the perfect place to take a food tour or cooking class. See our recommendations for the  Best Food Tours In Osaka .

Or book tickets for Gotta. Gotta is pure Japanese-style entertainment. It’s a Japanese musical review show, which tells the story of the Dotonbori area through food and legend. Buy tickets ahead of time  here . They offer three shows a day, with the last show being at 3:00 pm. The show is only 40 minutes, so it’s not a big time commitment. It’s just something quirky and unique to do in Dotonbori.

Where And What To Eat In Osaka

Between traditional Japanese dishes and Osakan specialties, there is no shortage of foods to eat in Osaka. From street food to craft beer, the city has it all. One of our favorite things to do in Osaka is to visit Daruma for kushikatsu, which is fried stuff on a stick. 

Start any day eating in Dotonbori, near the canal. Then head north down the Shinsaibashi shopping street. At the top, in the Chuo Ward and near the Honmachi subway station, there are loads of great, non-touristy restaurants. On another night, head south from Dotonbori into the Namba area for plenty of standing bars and yakitori spots. 

Check out these posts for more details and where and what to eat and drink in Osaka.

Osaka Food Guide – What To Eat In Osaka Japan

Dotonbori Food Guide – 15+ Must-Eat Dishes In Dotonbori Osaka

Osaka Craft Beer Guide – Drinking The Best Craft Beer In Osaka

Where To Stay In Osaka

When we visit Osaka we tend to stay a while and normally rent an  Airbnb  apartment. We’ve also stayed at the  Sheraton Miyako . Here are some other recommended hotels in Osaka. If short on time, we recommend staying near Namba or in an adjacent neighborhood so that you are centrally located to all of the best foods. 

Swissotel Nankai Osaka : Luxury, 5-star hotel, with views over the city. It’s located above the Namba station making it super convenient. Check current rates  here .

Hotel Nikko Osaka : The Hotel Nikko is located in the Shinsaibashi shopping area and near the pedestrian shopping arcade that leads to Dotonbori. We’ve stayed near this neighborhood before and there are some great bars and restaurants nearby. Check current rates  here .

Hotel Ichiei : For a more ryokan style experience, Hotel Ichiei is also near Namba Station and offers tatami style rooms. Check current rates  here . 

How Many Days In Osaka – Pro Tip

This is a question we often get. For any of our recommended Japan destinations, it’s up to you how much time you spend in each city. People often overlook Osaka, though, in favor of Kyoto. Kyoto is famous for its temples. Osaka is famous for its food and nightlife. We recommend spending more time in Osaka than in Kyoto if you love eating. Or, base yourself in Osaka for five or seven nights and visit Kyoto, Kobe, and even Nara from there. See the sites but enjoy the  Osaka nightlife .

Day 6 Koyasan, Wakayama

If you can fit an overnight into your 14 day itinerary that will offer a totally unique experience, this is it. The Kii Peninsula in Kansai includes Kyoto, Osaka, and Wakayama.

Across the Peninsula are a series of Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes, much like the Camino de Santiago in Spain. UNESCO recognized the region as a World Heritage Site. This makes Wakayama a perfect spot to spend the day hiking or exploring temples. 

Wakayama is also a great destination for food travelers too. Koyosan is the center of Buddhism in Japan and is located within Wakayama. There are over 100 temples in Koyasan, about half of which provide temple lodging. One of the most interesting food experiences includes staying at a temple lodge in order to try their famous Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine, known as Shojin Ryori. 

Planning A Trip To Koyasan

You can train from either Osaka or Kyoto to Koyasan using the Japan Rail Pass. Once there, spend the afternoon exploring some of the famous temples. Also, take a walk through Okunoin, a famous Buddhis Cemetery. There are over 200,000 gravestones. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to explore. (Please don’t take photos within the cemetery). There are a handful of restaurants that are known for vegetarian cuisine, which was even enough to fill Eric’s belly. 

Spending The Night In Koyasan

Spending a night in the Mount Koya area is almost like an all-inclusive stay. Book at one of the temple lodgings. These are mostly simple places to stay for the night, normally with tatami-style rooms with futons on the ground. A shojin ryori vegetarian dinner is included. They do serve beer and sake, but we used it as a night to detox. 

After dinner, head back to the temples to see them lit up at night. It’s quite peaceful. Then, it is time for bathing. Some of the temple lodges have private, western-style bathrooms. Others offer traditional Japanese bathing, which is sex separated, public, and nude. That alone is an experience. 

It’s an early-to-bed experience. There is the option of observing a dawn ritual where the monks offer a service to practicing Buddhists. We stayed in a traditional lodge where we were the only foreigners. The entire proceeding was in a combination of Japanese and Sanskrit. As much as we didn’t understand a word, observing was fascinating. 

Where To Stay In Koyasan

We recommend Jokiin , which offers all of the above experiences. They have a traditional Japanese public bath, but also offer some rooms with a private bath. All rooms are tatami-style, with futons on the floor. Book  here .

Day 7-8 Kobe

Kobe City is located in the west end of central Japan. It’s a port town and hosts the 6th largest population in Japan. What most people know about Kobe is its namesake beef. It is also one of the top sake producers in the country as well. This makes it an interesting city to add to your two week itinerary. 

Top Attractions In Kobe

Did you know that the Nada-Gogo, or the Five Regions of Nada, produces one-quarter of the sake in Japan. The Nada region includes Kobe, which makes Kobe the perfect place to learn about sake. They started producing sake in Nada over seven centuries ago. Try visiting the Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Brewery, which is on the train line between Osaka and Kobe.

What To Eat In Kobe

Kobe beef is unique to Japan. The beef comes from a particular breed of cattle called Tajima-gyu. The cattle must be born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture to be considered Kobe beef. 

Eating Kobe beef in Japan is a bit of a ritual. Normally you sit at a counter and order the beef by weight and variety. The chef will often show it to you, sort of for approval, but really so that you can look and confirm the quality. The beef is cooked on a flat top grill, to rare or medium rare temperature. Organize your Kobe experience ahead of time, whether you stay in Kobe or visit as a day trip. Learn more  here . 

Where To Stay In Kobe

Check out the ANA Crown Plaza Kobe , which is part of the IHG hotel group. It’s close to the train station making it easy to explore the city and the surrounding area. Check rates  here . 

Eating Kitsune Udon In Kyoto

Day 8-10 Kyoto

One of the most popular cities for travelers to Japan, Kyoto is one of the best places to learn about Japanese culture. Kyoto means “capital city” because it once was the capital of Japan before it was moved to Tokyo. We tend to prefer the culinary scene in Osaka more, but there is still loads of good food in Kyoto.

Top Attractions In Kyoto

There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites  in Kyoto alone. There are hundreds of Shinto Shrines, loads of Buddhist temples, and Japanese gardens. Check out the  Imperial Palace , which is free for travelers to wander through and take in all of the splendor of an ancient way of life in Japan.

Gion is one of the most popular neighborhoods to visit. It’s known for its Geiko, or geisha, culture. It’s one of the most well-preserved parts of the city with ancient houses and adorable alleyways. It is also one of the most touristy parts of the city, so be prepared. 

Fushimi Inari-taisha S hrine is another popular destination and is just a short ride from Kyoto Station by train. After visiting the temples continue a little further south to the Fushimi Sake District, the sake producing area of Kyoto. There is a brewery tour and plenty of shops selling sake and offering tastings. It makes a great afternoon out of the center of Kyoto. 

Tours And Tickets For Kyoto

Looking for the perfect Japanese Instagrammable moment? Book a Kimono rental for a day and then head to the temples or the narrow alleys of Gion for photos. Book a rental  here . 

If you love sake and want to learn more about it, check out this  Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting .

Or, book an evening  Food Tour in Gion and Pontchoco . See all of our recommended Kyoto Food Tours  here. 

What To Eat And Drink In Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its kaiseki and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. There is also a great ramen scene. For food travelers, there’s Nishiki Market and the surrounding neighborhoods and alleyways near Shoji Jori, the main shopping street.

At night, head to Pontocho Alley, which runs along the river, west of Gion, for some of the best restaurants in the city. For someone on a budget, check out Kyoto Ramen Alley, which is actually on the 10th floor of the Kyoto train station. 

Check out these related posts :

Kyoto Food Guide – What To Eat In Kyoto

How To Find The Best Ramen In Kyoto

Where To Stay In Kyoto

Like Osaka, Kyoto is also pretty easy to travel around. We stayed at the  Westin Miyako Kyoto , which is lovely, with views over the mountains and the city. We’ve also stayed at a very simple  guest house  near the Imperial Palace. Here are some other recommended hotels in Kyoto.

Luxury Hotel Sowaka : Located at the southern edge of Gion, this is the epitome of Japanese luxury, with well-appointed rooms in a ryokan style. Check the best rates  here . 

Park Hyatt Kyoto : For luxury accommodations of a more western standard, Park Hyatt Kyoto is one of the top hotels in the city. Check the best rates  here .

Mimaru Kyoto Horikawarokkaku : A four-star hotel in the center of some of the best eating in Kyoto and close to the Nishiki Market. Check the best rates  here . 

Help With Transit

If Kyoto is your last destination, then it is possible to fly out of Kansai Airport. Kansai is actually closer to Osaka, but still easy to access by train from Kyoto. Or, you can book a limousine bus from Kyoto  here .

Also, consider picking up a transit pass for Kyoto. This pass can be purchased for one or two days and can be used in both Kyoto and Osaka. Learn more  here . 

Day Trips From Osaka (Or Kyoto)

We are not huge fans of checking in and out of hotels every couple of days. It gets exhausting. It also gets in the way of our eating. One way to be more efficient when planning a Japan travel itinerary for 14 days is to pick either Osaka or Kyoto as a home base and to see several sites and cities.

For food travelers, we definitely recommend Osaka as a home base. You can take a day trip to Kyoto to visit Gion, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and other spots all in one day. The fast train takes 14 minutes between the cities. The cheaper rapid train takes 24 minutes. Both are included in the Japan Rail Pass.

You can be back to Osaka in order to take advantage of the nightlife there. Accommodations in Osaka also tend to be less expensive. 

Other Side Trips

Regardless of which city you base yourself in, you can spend four, five, or even six nights over a two week stay in Japan in either city and see a lot. Here are a few of the cities you can explore as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. If you don’t want to spend two nights in Kobe, it is also possible to do as a day trip from either Osaka or Kyoto. 

Nara is located just between Osaka and Kyoto. There are a good number of ancient temples, but it is most known for the deer that roam the city. It’s also home to Tōdai-j, a Buddhist temple complex with one of the largest Buddha statues in Japan.

Another side trip is to Himeji Castle and then to Miyajima. Miyajima, or Itsukushima, is a famous temple located on an island in Hiroshima Bay. There is the famous Great Torii Gate, which is an orange gate surrounded by water. 

Eating ramen in Sapporo in Hokkaido

Day 11-14 Sapporo

We just made our first trip to Sapporo and it was in the winter. Yes, it snowed. Even though we don’t like the cold, we loved our time in Sapporo and would definitely recommend adding to a 14 day Japan itinerary. Yes, you need to take a domestic flight there, but you can also book international flights from Sapporo to head home. 

If heading to  Sapporo in winter , be prepared for cold and snow. But that also means fun snow sports and skiing. The summers are warm, but not as hot as down south. The most important thing, the Hokkaido region is entirely unique within Japan and worth a visit. 

Top Attractions In Sapporo

Many of the top things to do in Sapporo are located within the city center. This includes all of the best places to eat. It’s possible to walk to many of them. If heading a little further afield, the train is easily accessible. Just at the edge of the city is a town filled with  onsen , the traditional Japanese hot springs. Learn more  here .

Tours And Tickets For Sapporo

There are a couple of interesting activities for food travelers to Sapporo. First, check out the Sapporo Beer Factory and the Beer Garden. After a tour of the factory, enjoy a meal of the famous Genghis Khan in the garden. Learn more  here . If looking to try Hokkaido’s world-famous crab, book a crab eating experience in Sapporo.

What To Eat And Drink In Sapporo

The main reason why we think Sapporo is worth a flight up north is that the food is so different and so great! Hokkaido is known for crab and other seafood. There are also a handful of dishes that are unique to the region. This includes ramen made with corn and butter, Genghis Khan, which is a lamb BBQ, and soup curry. Read more about all the great food in Sapporo here: 

Sapporo Food Guide – What To Eat In Sapporo Japan

Finding The Best Ramen In Sapporo – Ramen Yokocho And More

Where To Stay In Sapporo

I recommend staying in the  Susukino neighborhood of Sapporo. We stayed at the Mercure Sapporo in Susukino and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The Mercure Sapporo is a 15-story contemporary high-rise hotel with French influences and is part of the Accor family of hotels. 

The Mercure Sapporo is close to all of the best places to eat in Sapporo. It’s right in the heart of Susukino and only a few blocks away from ramen alley and Nijo Market. This was perfect for us, and really anyone who visits Sapporo. You can eat all of the best foods in Sapporo without traveling more than a few blocks from the hotel.

Hokkaido in winter

When Is The Best Time To Visit Japan

Japan is a year-round destination. Being a long country, there are a variety of climates. In the north, in Hokkaido, you have some of the top ski destinations in the winter. In the south, in Okinawa, there is a more tropical climate where it is warm in the winter. 

This 14 day Japan itinerary focuses on  Tokyo  and the Kansai region, in the center of the country. But it also includes Hokkaido in the north. In the center of the country, expect warm summers and cold winters. 

Top tourist sites in the summer can be crowded and hotels are more expensive. Winter is relatively mild, even when it snows. Tourist sites are less crowded and hotels are less expensive. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are probably the best times to visit Japan, with one major exception. Cherry blossom season is in the spring, normally in April, and can be beautiful, but is considered the high season. 

Winter In Japan

We’ve been to Japan twice when it was snowing and we don’t like the cold. But, it can be peaceful and beautiful visiting Japan in winter. 

They do get some snow in the center of the country, but we’ve visited in Japan in both autumn and winter and found it warmer than expected for several days. The temperatures can change dramatically where it is warm one day and cold the next. 

Hokkaido, in the north, has cooler summers but the snowiest winters in the world. If you love the cold and snow, definitely consider Hokkaido. If traveling to Japan in the winter, and you don’t like the snow, perhaps stay longer in the center of the country. 

To better understand what it’s like to travel in Japan in the winter, check out these posts:

Top Things To Do In Sapporo In Winter

Getting To Japan

Many airlines fly directly to Japan. There are two airports in Tokyo. Narita is the largest but is farther from the city. Haneda is smaller, and closer to the city, but offers fewer international flights. Kansai Airport serves both Osaka and Kyoto. All of these airports are accessible by bus and train. Sapporo also has an international airport with plenty of flights.

There are two primary Japanese airlines that service these airports: ANA (All Nippon) and Japan Airlines (JAL). We’ve flown them both and they are reputable airlines. Other international airlines also service Japan. 

Because train travel is so easy in Japan, it might help and it might save time, to fly into Tokyo and out of Kansai in Osaka or Sapporo in Hokkaido. This will help maximize your time on the ground, particularly if you are only limited to a two week trip. 

Choosing An Airport In Japan Pro Tip

Sapporo only has one airport. Tokyo has two airports (NRT and HAN). The area around Osaka and Kyoto is also served by two airports (KIX and ITM). Just be sure to pay attention to which one you are booking. In each case, one is farther out from the city than the other. It’s most important when you are transferring back to the airport so you choose the right one. Trust us. We chose the wrong one in Osaka! Luckily we still made our flight in time. 

How to Get Around in Japan

We’ve never rented a car in Japan. We’ve never found a reason to, particularly with this itinerary. There is so much to do, see, and eat within the cities or during day trips from the big cities.

Really, the best way to get around in Japan is by rail. Japan Rail offers a few different rail passes for either 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. The rail pass is valid on all Japan Rail trains, including the high-speed trains (Shinkansen) between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. 

The most important thing about the Japan Rail Pass is that you much be a resident of a country other than Japan. And you must purchase the rail pass before arriving in the country. They will actually mail you a rail pass so be sure to purchase it early.

If heading to Sapporo, it’s best to fly. Both ANA and JAL fly between Kansai near Osaka and Sapporo. It’s not all that expensive if you book ahead. 

Learn more about Japanese food in our post about the  Best Japanese Snacks To Try .

FAQs – PLANNING A JAPAN 14 DAY ITINERARY

This is a question we get about almost every destination. If you are American it is hard NOT to tip because it is so customary and even expected at restaurants and bars. Tipping is not customary in Japan. It can even actually be considered inconsiderate to leave a tip. It’s just better not to. In this case, it’s best to abide by the local culture and norms. 

This is a hard question to answer because we understand a lot of people, particularly Americans, don’t have a lot of vacation time. Being able to spend a full two weeks in Japan gives you an opportunity to really experience the country. If you only have a week, see this post on how to make the most of your time.

It is no secret that Japan is an expensive country, but there are ways to spend money. It’s certainly possible to find accommodations is most cities for less than $100 a night. Meals can be expensive, but it is also possible to eat many meals for about $10-15 a person, even sushi! It is possible for two people to travel to Japan for between $100-150 a person and travel quite well.

Despite being a relatively small country, Japan is a highly diverse country. This makes it a year-round destination. In Winter, there’s skiing around Sapporo. Okinawa and the southern islands are great for a summer beach getaway. The Spring and Fall offer nature lovers stunning natural beauty.

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

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Restaurants in Tokyo are known for shokunin, the people who focus on a single skill to the point of obsession. These chefs dedicate their lives to the smallest details of a cuisine: the optimal temperature for the oil when frying tempura, the perfect texture for sushi rice, the ideal sear on grilled unagi. This long-term commitment separates Tokyo from the other great dining cities in the world, and it has fostered a lot of continuity in the restaurant scene; some of the earliest restaurants in Tokyo also served sushi, tempura, and unagi, along with oyakodon chicken and eggs over rice, soba, sukiyaki, tonkatsu, and other specialties still represented in restaurants today. Though Tokyo is infamous for a few highly regarded spots that are impossible to get into without an introduction by a regular, visitors will find more than enough to love across the massive dining metropolis.

Updated, July 2023:

Following Japan’s decision to reopen its borders to visitors in 2022, tourists are back in record numbers. They’re here — just as they were before the onset of the pandemic — for the food. Alongside Tokyo’s renowned decades-old culinary institutions, contemporary chefs from around the world are making an impression, especially Daniele Cason at the Pizza Bar on 38th, Santiago Fernandez of Maz Tokyo, and Daniel Calvert at Sézanne. Meanwhile, locals are queuing up with out-of-towners for comfort food dishes like ramen, udon noodles, onigiri (rice balls), and sandwiches made on tender white bread.

The biggest struggle for visitors remains with reservations at smaller restaurants. Outstanding hotel concierges are helpful for making these bookings, as are booking apps such as Pocket Concierge and Table All . At the same time, a weak yen also makes dining out and hotels more affordable; cheaper food and a cheaper bed for a post-feast nap are all the reasons you need to squeeze in yet another meal.

Yukari Sakamoto is the author of Food Sake Tokyo and offers guided tours to markets in Tokyo. She is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, a sommelier, and a shochu advisor.

Yakumo Saryō

For a rejuvenating start to the day indulge with a Japanese breakfast at Yakumo Saryo. Designed by architect Shinichiro Ogata, the teahouse is a tranquil space offering a morning of peace and mindfulness. The asacha (morning tea) set breakfast includes a variety of teas, porridge, fish, pickles, miso soup, and wagashi (confections) to finish. Reservations are required.

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Kozue has some of the best views in the metropolis from the 40th floor of the iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo, a view made famous in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation . Chef Nobuhiro Yoshida sources seafood directly from fishermen, who send him photos or videos of their catch while they’re still out at sea so that selections arrive the same day to the restaurant. Seasonal sashimi is presented over a bowl of crushed ice and wagyu beef hot pot arrives on exquisite tableware. Elevate the meal with a flight of sake from the impressive list.

Bar Benfiddich

Hiroyasu Kayama’s atmospheric, candle-lit ninth-floor hideaway is one of Tokyo’s most compelling bars, with shelves crammed with rare spirits and jars of obscure aromatics, and drinks just as likely to involve a mortar and pestle as a cocktail shaker. Sink into one of the half-dozen armchairs at the ancient-wood counter and give Kayama carte blanche to work his mixologist magic. Best to get there early, though: Bar Benfiddich’s fame extends far beyond the Shinjuku back streets.

There’s no shortage of soba specialists in Tokyo, but few manage to create noodles quite as flavorful and satisfying as those at Tamawarai. Each batch is made from scratch — the dough mixed, rolled, and cut by hand — and much of it with buckwheat the restaurant helps to grow. The side dishes, such as soba miso and the wonderfully creamy yuba (tofu skin), are prepared with equal care. Tamawarai does not accept reservations, so despite the less-than-convenient location in a residential neighborhood between Shibuya and Harajuku, you will invariably find yourself standing in line for up to an hour to get in.

Isetan Shinjuku

No visit to Tokyo is complete without exploring a depachiku — the food halls found on the basement levels of most department stores. Isetan in Shinjuku can’t be beat for gourmet glamor, with local wagashi (Japanese confections) arranged alongside the patisseries of Sadaharu Aoki, Jean-Paul Hévin, and Pierre Hermé. Have a light meal at the in-house open kitchen or take a bento up to the roof garden.

Onigiri Manma

Manma, an onigiri (rice ball) shop, sits in the shadow of the Shinjuku Isetan department store. Onigiri are a classic comfort food, but Manma’s draw is its unique fillings: Popular options include a “mother and child” of grilled salmon with sujiko salmon roe, seasoned ground meat with cured egg yolk, and bacon with cream cheese. The only side dishes — all that’s really needed — are miso soup and tsukemono, pickles. The casual seating is at the counter, so everyone has front-row seats to watch the staff assemble giant rice balls. Expect a queue for a seat, but you can also take to-go orders (usually faster) to the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen park for an impromptu picnic.

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Pizza Marumo

Chef Yuki Motokura left a traditional Japanese kitchen to open Pizza Marumo. Motokura defines his pies as neither Neapolitan nor Roman, but as Tokyo-style. The charred pizza dough has the texture of freshly grilled mochi rice cakes, a comfort food for many Japanese diners. The extensive menu includes wagyu carpaccio, oven-roasted vegetables, and a long list of pizzas. The restaurant covers classic pizzas, as well as unique Japanese-style renditions incorporating umami-rich ingredients like katsuobushi (smoked skipjack tuna flakes), kombu (kelp), shiitake mushrooms, or almost cheesy, soy-marinated tofu.

Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa’s decision to move Den from its iconic Jimbocho address has paid off in spades. The restaurant claims two Michelin stars and the top spot in Asia on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The cooking remains innovative and satisfying, incorporating audacious, humorous ideas into Japan’s highly formalized kaiseki tradition. Expect foie gras in your appetizer and ants in your salad, along with his signature Dentucky Fried Chicken.

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Yakitori Imai

Grillmaster Takashi Imai’s namesake yakitoriya is large, sleek, and contemporary. All the seats look in on his spacious open kitchen, so you can watch him in action over the main charcoal pit. Besides his excellent chicken skewers, Imai usually offers a list of premium meats, such as French pigeon. There’s also a serious selection of grilled vegetables from his second grill, plus a substantial list of natural wine.

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L'Effervescence 

It’s no secret Tokyo has some of the best French cuisine outside of France, partly because local chefs study with the world's best, as Shinobu Namae at L’Effervescence did with Michel Bras and Heston Blumenthal. The restaurant has built a strong following with its use of premium produce, innate seasonal sensibility, and clear pride in good service, not to mention its tranquil location. Pro tip: Lunch is an especially good value.

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Nowhere in Tokyo serves tonkatsu (breaded deep-fried pork) with the quality and sophistication of Butagumi, set in a 60-year-old, two-story, freestanding traditional house. Here, you dine on premium cutlets — made from your choice of a couple dozen regional heirloom breeds — cooked a beautiful golden brown and served with a pyramid of finely slivered cabbage and thick, house-made Worcestershire-style sauce.

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Yoshihiro Narisawa worked under Paul Bocuse, Frédy Girardet, and Joël Robuchon. But at his namesake restaurant, he fuses French haute cuisine with a profound understanding of Japanese ingredients that has resulted in a style uniquely his own. Serving brilliant left-field dishes such as soil soup (yes, really) and Okinawan sea snake broth, alongside superb langoustine and wagyu beef, he more than merits his two Michelin stars and spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Sake aficionados flock to Marie Chiba’s Eureka sake bar. The impressive sake list includes labels like Senkin, Aramasa, and Raifuku. Pair a glass with sake-friendly small plates like a smoked jammy egg covered in squid ink mayonnaise, blue cheese ham katsu, and crab cream croquettes. As a sake sommelier, Chiba can expertly recommend pairings, and will warm up some sake to draw out different expressions. There are only a dozen counter seats so be sure to book in advance, or walk in and hope to get a tachinomi (spot for standing and drinking).

Second-generation chef Daisuke Shimazaki serves traditional Edomae sushi at Sushi Yuu, located in a quiet residential area not far from the busy Roppongi district. While some high-end sushiya can feel stiflingly formal, more like a library or a church than a convivial restaurant, chef Shimazaki puts all of his customers at ease (in English, Russian, or Italian, as well as Japanese). The meal starts off with small seasonal bites such as grilled Pacific mackerel and simmered yellowtail before the parade of nigirizushi. Sushi Yuu is particularly famous for tuna, which Shimazaki sources from one of Toyosu Market’s top tuna vendors.

Chef Daisuke Nomura serves modern shojin ryori — vegetarian Buddhist cuisine —  strategically locating his restaurant Sougo in the Roppongi district to appeal to the younger, international crowd who live and work in the neighborhood. The signature dish is sesame tofu, fried or grilled to bring out a silky texture. The menu also includes a myriad of vegetables from land and sea, along with traditional shojin ingredients like fu (wheat gluten) and yuba (soy milk skin). Tip: Diners wanting to learn more about Japanese food can take classes at Tokyo Cook, a cooking school located within the restaurant.

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Kagurazaka akomeya.

Akomeya is  the  place in central Tokyo if you’re looking to buy premium rice, foodstuffs from around Japan, kitchen essentials (including earthenware donabe pots), and designer tableware. But the best reason to visit is the casual in-store canteen, Akomeya Shokudo, which serves simple set meals of rice, miso soup, pickles, and main dishes like deep-fried fish and scallops. There’s also kakigori shaved ice, which can be topped with chocolate and rum raisins, as well as a variety of teas including a yuzu green tea and lemongrass hojicha roasted green tea.

Kikunoi Akasaka

Kaiseki, Japan’s ineffable, hyper-seasonal traditional cuisine, always tastes best in its hometown, Kyoto. This can be attributed to the water, which is softer than in Tokyo. Chef Yoshihiro Murata gets around this by shipping water from the ancient capital to the Akasaka branch of his renowned Kikunoi to ensure his dashi soup stock is always perfect. In this tranquil, secluded setting, it’s almost possible to imagine you have left the metropolis far behind. At lunchtime, Kikunoi also offers more accessible and affordable bento lunches.

Bar Gen Yamamoto

An L-shaped counter made from a 500-year-old Mongolian oak tree sets the stage for an omakase flight of craft cocktails at Bar Gen Yamamoto. The eponymous proprietor returned from New York specifically to work with the Japanese palette of ingredients. The drinks, made with spirits and sake, are all low in alcohol to highlight the flavors of seasonal produce, both fruits and vegetables, including items like fava beans or sweetcorn. They’re presented in a variety of eye-catching glassware on trays decorated with flowers or greenery. With only eight seats, this ultra-quiet bar is a place to study the art of imbibing.

Sumibiyakiniku Nakahara

Owner Kentaro Nakahara sources the finest wagyu and knows all the best cuts to grill over the charcoal burners set into your tabletop at Sumibiyakiniku Nakahara. Besides his seven-item yakiniku (grilled meat) tasting menu, don’t miss the beef “prosciutto,” the tartare, or his self-styled legendary grilled tongue (which must be reserved in advance). Yakiniku is always fun, but it’s rarely as chic, clean, and smoke-free — both from cigarettes and the grills — as it is here.

The team behind Central in Lima, Peru — named the No. 1 restaurant in the world in 2023 by the World’s 50 Best group — opened Maz in 2022 in the Akasaka district. Chef Santiago Fernandez oversees the menu; like Central, Maz explores the vast biodiversity of locally sourced ingredients, with about 80 percent of the ingredients sourced from Japan. Fernandez has defined his cuisine as “based on the respect for nature.” In Japan that means unique ingredients like junsai (watershield, a type of water plant), sea vegetables including hijiki and umibudo (sea grapes), and a colorful variety of seafood including uni, octopus, and shellfish. Dessert is an exploration of different expressions of cacao.

The former geisha district of Kagurazaka is worth exploring at any time, but especially as evening falls on the atmospheric narrow alleys. Even more so if you’ve booked yourself into Ishikawa for an extended, multicourse kaiseki dinner. Hideki Ishikawa’s impeccable cuisine, superb quality ingredients, and gracious welcome have won him three well-deserved Michelin stars and a host of admirers around the world.

At Tenko, vegetables and seasonal seafood from Tokyo Bay are battered and fried into tempura, a specialty of Tokyo. The restaurant is on the quiet backstreets of Kagurazaka in a former geisha teahouse. Second-generation chef Hitoshi Arai is a master at creating delicate and lacy tempura, serving each one as it comes out of the oil, and it’s worth trying some of the tempura with salt instead of dipping sauce to preserve the crispy covering. Part of the experience is listening to the tempura as it bubbles in the hot oil.

Tofuya Ukai

Built around a beautiful traditional garden, Tofuya Ukai’s low-rise complex of private rooms offers a glimpse of how Tokyo used to look and dine before the modern high-rise city developed. Multicourse meals include elaborate appetizers — like the specialty artisan bean curd served in hot pots in winter or chilled in summer — and culminate in servings of fish or meat grilled at the table.

Oden is Japan’s favorite wintertime comfort food, an aromatic hotpot of slow-simmered seafood, meat, and vegetables, usually washed down with plenty of sake or beer. Otako has been serving it this way for almost a century and attracts an eclectic clientele, from humble salarymen to Ginza hostesses dolled up in kimonos. Slide open the door, wait for a seat, then take your place at the long counter, watching the chefs at work over the steaming oden pans. At any time of year, Otako is a Tokyo classic.

Kagari Ramen

Tori paitan (creamy chicken broth for ramen) is rich and comforting, like grandma’s chicken soup. The broth clings to the thin straight noodles as one slurps. At Kagari, seasonal and colorful vegetables such as watermelon radish, snap peas, and kabocha squash top the dish and rotate throughout the year. Use the side dish of grated ginger and fried garlic, along with a bottle of vinegar from the counter, to brighten up and adjust the umami-rich soup to your liking. The main Ginza shop is on a quiet pedestrian back street, but the sister shop at the Roppongi Hills complex (Minato-ku, Roppongi 6-4-1) is not as crowded as the main shop in Ginza.

Wagashi Kunpu

Sachiko Tsukuda creates her unique wagashi (confections) to be paired with sake. Located in the hipster Yanesen district, the salon has earned a cult following among both wagashi and sake aficionados. Tsukuda’s signature is a modern take on dorayaki; she augments the traditional pancakes, typically stuffed with sweet azuki bean paste, by utilizing seasonal jams such as rhubarb or kumquat. She also incorporates vegetables into some of her sweets, such as jelly cakes made with burdock root or red turnips.

Ekibenya Matsuri

Part of the ritual of riding a shinkansen (bullet train) is enjoying a bento and green tea (or sake if you like), while taking in the view. Located inside of Tokyo Station, Ekibenya Matsuri offers about 170 regional ekiben (“eki” for station and “ben” short for bento box) brought in from throughout Japan, an excellent chance to enjoy a range of regional Japanese flavors. The colorful selection includes rice topped with sashimi, wagyu beef, or yakitori grilled chicken skewers, and there is even a gyutan beef tongue bento that contains a warming device activated by a pull-string, allowing you to enjoy a hot meal on your journey. The shop opens at 5:30 a.m. for anyone catching an early train.

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British chef Daniel Calvert’s resume includes time at Epicure in Paris and Per Se in New York, and most recently the position of head chef at Belon in Hong Kong. His elegant, modern French cuisine skillfully incorporates Japanese ingredients such as sake lees, Hokkaido scallops, and hotaru ika (firefly squid). The tempting dishes include osetra caviar with avocado and sudachi citrus, as well as kinki (thornyhead fish) with crispy skin and saffron bouillabaisse. The restaurant, located at the Four Seasons Marunouchi just next to Tokyo Station, has exquisite service and an extensive wine list.

Higashiya Ginza

No one has done as much to give Japan’s green tea culture a boost as interior designer Shinichi Ogata and his Higashiya wagashi (confectionery) shops. At his flagship store, a tranquil, capacious oasis above the madding crowds of central Ginza, the traditional wabi-sabi tea ceremony aesthetic has been given a contemporary makeover. Settle in for contemplation over premium teas, seasonal desserts (including kakigori ice in summer), and even light multicourse meals. You will emerge fully recharged.

Kanda Matsuya

Soba is the traditional noodle in Tokyo, and nowhere is that heritage preserved better than at Kanda Matsuya. Founded 130 years ago and housed in superb wooden premises, it’s a living legend. There’s a small menu of side dishes to go with sake, but here it’s all about the noodles, which are rolled and cut by hand in-house by the master’s son.

Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza

Hanayama is famous for its oni himokawa udon noodles, which are thin and flat, and served in a tanuki raccoon-shaped bowl. The fifth-generation shop is from Gunma, a region famous for flour, but better known for silky, thin udon than himokawa. Hanayama also excels at tempura, so be sure to get some meaty maitake or shrimp. Hanayama also has a new restaurant at Haneda Airport, where the line is much shorter than at the Ginza location.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji’s famous wholesale market finally made its long-delayed move to the new location in Toyosu. But the Outer Market — the compact warren of narrow, crowded streets known as Jogai — hasn’t gone anywhere. Alongside the sushi counters and ramen shops you’ll find retail stores selling everything from fresh seafood and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) to traditional knives and ceramics.

The Pizza Bar on 38th

Since 2014, Roman chef and pizzaiolo Daniele Cason has been serving Roman-style pizza made from a blend of five organic Italian flours and 80 percent Italian water. The dough is fermented for 48 hours, resulting in a delicate and airy crust. The pizza has been voted the best in Asia on the 50 Top Pizza list , and Cason was named the 2022 pizza-maker of the year by the Italian awards body. The restaurant is on the 38th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in the quiet Nihonbashi district. It has only eight seats at the marble countertop overlooking the open kitchen and pizza oven. Dinner is omakase-style with two seatings, and diners try eight different pizzas. The set meal begins with a pizzino of mascarpone, fior di latte cheese, olives tapenade, and truffles, but if you go at lunch be sure to order it as an appetizer. Toppings change throughout the seasons, drawing from Japan’s diverse offerings such as sansai (mountain vegetables), Nagano prosciutto, and Sado Island fresh figs.

Tsukishima Monja Street

You’ll find dozens of shops lining this street in the Tsukishima neighborhood all serving monjayaki, a local dish similar to Osaka’s okonomiyaki. The setup at every shop is essentially the same: Diners select fillings such as mentaiko (spicy pollack roe), mochi, and cheese, and cook the monja themselves on a large iron plate set into each table with the help of a tiny spatula. The trick is to spread the mixture out thin and wait for it to crisp up (the staff will gladly show first timers the proper technique ). Paired with an icy mug of beer, it’s a fun meal. The street is blocked off at night for pedestrians, giving it a lively atmosphere that attracts local Japanese as well as tourists. It’s best to peruse the shops and pop into the first one that seems warm and welcoming.

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Ningyocho Imahan

Housed in a classic low-rise building in a traditional neighborhood, Imahan is one of Tokyo’s oldest and best loved purveyors of beef cuisine. Shabushabu, sukiyaki, teppanyaki, and steak are all prepared and served with old-school refinement and expertise. Book yourself into one of the private rooms for an extended omakase feast. Just choose what provenance and grade of wagyu you want, then relax and let the kimono-clad waitstaff pamper you.

Pelican Café

Pelican Bakery has been baking white bread since 1942. The bread is so popular that all orders must be placed in advance for the privilege of purchasing a loaf. Pelican Café, which recently opened down the street from the bakery, is a chance for more people to try the sought-after bread. The menu focuses on toast and sandwiches, including a thick-cut ham katsu and another composed of fresh fruit with whipped cream. There are also toasts topped with cheese, sweet adzuki beans and butter, or simply butter and jam. The cafe is often busy, mostly with young people. Pelican is near the famous Asakusa district, home of the Asakusa Shrine, making it an easy stop for sightseers.

Nowhere serves unagi (freshwater eel) like Obana. The recipe for its kabayaki — fillets of eel that are steamed, charcoal grilled, and basted with a thick, rich, sweet-savory glaze — dates back to the times of the shoguns. Expect hour-long lines (especially on weekends) for the pleasure of sitting on a hard floor (thin cushions provided) at low communal tables, with a further wait while they dispatch the eel and slowly cook it to order. The anticipation is worth it, though. Obana’s unagi is widely agreed to be the best in the city.

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Koffee Mameya Kakeru

This spacious warehouse is a sister shop to the original Koffee Mameya Kakeru, a popular boutique in Omotesando. The cafe specializes in flights of coffee, which might include a pour over, an espresso, a latte, and one or more mocktails, all showcasing different expressions of the same bean. You can also order drinks a la carte, including spiked coffee cocktails in the evening. The interior is sleek, with contrasting wooden chairs and a U-shaped limestone counter, and the knowledgeable staff wear white lab coats and bowties — though they’re perfectly friendly. Reservations are required.

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Beginner’s Guide to Food in Japan for tourists

01/23/2024 By Traveling Canucks 4 Comments Categories: Food Home Japan Kobe Kyoto Tokyo Travel Tips

Beginners Guide to Food in Japan for first time visitors

Japan’s unique and diverse cuisine can be intimidating for first time visitors. Unadventurous eaters might experience a little anxiety when thinking about ordering Japanese food in Tokyo for the very first time. If you find yourself in this category, we’ve got you covered with this beginners guide to food in Japan. 

We would argue that food is the reason to visit Japan.

However, for those unfamiliar with Japanese food culture, the idea of eating at restaurants in Japan might feel daunting. What do you order? How do you order? Do you tip in Japan? I remember feeling quite confused on our first trip to Japan; not being able to read Japanese characters didn’t help.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long before we started to feel comfortable. 

We quickly turned our anxiety into curiousity. Sure, we sampled a few items that we will likely not order again (I’m talking to you, horumonyaki ), but we also discovered new foods and flavours that have forever changed our palate.  

Most restaurants in high traffic areas will have food photos on the menu, plastic replicas in the windows, and/or English menus; so you’ll be fine even if you can’t read, speak or understand Japanese. 

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Table of Contents

Readers note – we visited Japan prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. We recommend you do further research before your trip to Japan. Some of the Japan restaurants referenced in this blog post may have paused service, which might impact some recommendations.

Visit the Japan travel advisory for coronavirus updates here .

Read more posts from Japan

• 25 Japan travel tips for first timers
• 50 Photos of Kyoto that will inspire you to visit  
• The perfect 3 day Tokyo itinerary for first time visitors
• 100 Photos of Tokyo Disneyland, Japan
• 15 things to do in Kobe, Japan

Let’s start with the most popular food in Japan for tourists

Given that this post is written with the first time visitor in mind, let’s start with the most popular Japanese cuisine for tourists. Below is a detailed list of Japanese food you should try in Japan. 

1. Sushi 

Sushi is arguably the most famous food in japan. at least, it is for tourists. .

Without question, sushi is a big part of Japanese cuisine. You will find a variety of sushi shops in Japan, so you will have plenty of options.

If you’re not familiar with sushi, the thought of eating raw fish wrapped in thin sheets of seaweed might feel completely foreign and unsettling. You might even think that eating sushi is a big stretch for you. That’s okay, you’re not alone. 

I think most people remember the first time they tried raw fish.

I know I do. It was a tuna sushi roll (tekka maki) at a small Japanese restaurant in North Vancouver. I had a mental block that prevented me from embracing the concept of raw fish. I wasn’t a fan of the texture or flavour, but it wasn’t as bad as I had built it up in my mind.

Now, years later, I can’t get enough sushi. I’m pretty sure we eat sushi at least once per week.

As one might expect, sushi tastes better in Japan. The fish is fresh and tasty and the sushi is prepared with a meticulous precision. 

Travel tip – visit a Japanese restaurant in your hometown before you travel to Japan. Familiarize yourself with the menu and sample a few items. Let your curiousity run wild. This way, you have the advantage of reading the menu in English. Once you’ve seen and tried a few items, you’ll be much more comfortable with the food in Japan.

What sushi should you try first?

Sushi refers to any dish made with Japanese rice that’s seasoned with rice vinegar.

Sushi rolls are called maki or makizushi. Fresh fish and/or vegetables are wrapped with Japanese rice and a dried seaweed sheet (nori). The most common sushi rolls in Japan are salmon rolls, tuna rolls (tekka maki), unagi (freshwater eel), cucumber (kappa maki), f ermented soybean (Natto Maki) and f utomaki sushi rolls. 

Here is list of useful sushi terms you should know before your visit to Japan.

Nigiri sushi are bite-sized mounds of sushi rice topped with slices of raw fish. The most popular nigiri sushi are sliced tuna, salmon, freshwater eel, squid and prawn. However, there are endless types of nigiri sushi available at Japanese sushi restaurants.   

If you’re unsure about sushi and you want to ease in slowly, we recommend trying a non-fish sushi roll first, like cucumber, avocado, mushroom or egg (tamagoyaki).

Fun fact – California rolls and Dynamite Rolls are popular in North America, but not in Japan. Some Japanese restaurants in touristy areas will have these Westernized rolls on the menu, but most will not. These “safer” rolls are a good introduction to sushi because they do not have raw fish, but don’t expect to find these sushi rolls in Japan.

Conveyor belt sushi in Japan – Kaiten Sushi

A fun way to sample a variety of sushi is visiting a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, also called rotation sushi, sushi train and kaiten sushi . You may have seen or read about these innovative sushi restaurants during your research about Japanese food.

Basically, a conveyor belt transports small plates of various sushi around the restaurant. Typically, the conveyor belt passes beside tables or booths, or in front of a sushi bar, like the one pictured above.

Each item has a different price, which is identified by the colour or pattern on the plate. For example, the red plates might be 200 Yen each. If you see something you like, pick it up from the conveyor belt and enjoy. At the end of your meal, you add up the plates and pay for what you took from the conveyor belt. 

We visited a few kaiten-zushi restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto. They’re great. Not only does the sushi come out quickly, you can actually see the items as they pass your table. This is ideal for first timers who are nervous about trying raw fish for the first time.

And, you don’t need to worry about over-ordering, or under-ordering. The small bites allow you to pace yourself and try some items you might not have it you were to order from a menu.

Here’s an updated list of Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo.

Most conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Japan have tablets at the table (see above photo). If you don’t see items you like on the conveyor belt, or you would like to order hot food items, you simply click the photos and place your order on the tablet.

Most tablet menus have an English option. This is helpful if you have specific items in mind. 

Above – a small plate of nigiri sushi at a kaiten sushi restaurant in Tokyo Japan.

The above photo is a platter of various nigiri sushi.

Each piece of nigiri sushi a work of edible art. In the middle of the platter is chopped raw tuna belly served on rice. The big yellow sushi is tamago nigiri, which is a sweet folded omelet wrapped with seaweed.

Related post – Japan travel tips for first time visitors.

You can also order sushi cones, like in the above photo. These can get messy if you’re not careful. However, it’s one of our favourite food in Japan. 

How to eat Sushi in Japan

We eat sushi often in Vancouver . At least once per week. We thought we knew the correct way to eat sushi, but we were wrong. How did we not know this before travelling to Japan? 

Here’s an etiquette guide for  how to eat sushi the correct way . 

Apparently, the golden rules of eating sushi in Japan are:

• do not stick your chopsticks upright in the rice
• do not cut a piece of sushi in half with your chopsticks
• don’t mix wasabi in your soy sauce

There are a lot of things to know when it comes to Japanese culture. Most people will forgive foreigners for not knowing or understanding proper Japanese etiquette and customs, provided you’re respectful, quiet and polite. So, if you want to mix up your wasabi and soy sauce, do it subtly and don’t be surprised if the sushi chef rolls his eyes at you.

Related – Japan travel tips you should know before you go

What is your favourite Japanese cuisine? Leave a comment below.

Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy that consists of thinly sliced raw fish, typically salmon, fatty tuna, yellowtail, mackerel, scallop and squid. You will also find sashimi-style meat, like chicken and beef.

Typically, sashimi is served plain and you dip the raw fish slices in soy sauce. However, some types of sashimi are served with a spicy sauce on top (example = spicy tuna sashimi).

What is the difference between sushi and sashimi? 

There are a lot of similarities between sushi and sashimi. Some nigiri sushi, like the ones pictured above, have a strip of raw fish resting on a mound of Japanese rice. Same goes for some sushi rolls, like tekka maki (tuna), where the sushi roll is filled with slices of raw fish, which is basically sashimi. 

In the above photo, the sashimi is located in the top dish. You can see the similarities between sashimi and nigiri sushi – the slices of fish on the nigiri sushi are so big that you actually can’t see the rice underneath.

Kaisendon traditional set menu

Kaisendon is a   Japanese dish that consists of white rice and raw sashimi, such as prawns, octopus, squid, salmon, white fish, crab meat, egg, and sea urchin roes. It is often served with a traditional set menu (above photo). 

In the covered brown bowl is miso soup, which is commonly served at Japanese restaurants. 

The white bowl on the top right of the plate is chawanmushi , a steamed egg custard filled with meats and vegetables (including chicken, mushrooms, gingko nuts, kamaboko fish cakes, and carrots). 

Other items typically found in a Japanese set menu are steamed vegetables, pickled vegetables, tempura (see below), salad, sushi rolls and/or a sweet desert like matcha cupcakes.

3. Tempura 

Tempura is one of the most popular Japanese dishes in Japan. It’s a simple dish that consists of battered and deep fried seafood, meat and/or vegetables, served with a special dipping sauce called Tentsuyu. 

Tempura is an easy introduction to Japanese food for tourists.

If you like crispy fish and chips, you’ll love tempura. Tempura batter is lighter than the batter that’s commonly used for fried fish and chicken.

Tempura can be served as an appetizer, side dish or as a stand-alone entrée. It’s typically made with prawns and/or vegetables, like yams, sweet potato, butternut squash, eggplant and green beans. 

Many Japanese restaurants have plastic replicas of the dishes on display at the front or entrance to the restaurant. This makes it easy to visualize the menu and decide what you want to order before sitting down at a table. It’s very convenient when traveling with kids. 

Udon is a popular Japanese dish that’s an easy introduction to Japanese food for tourists. It can be served a number of different ways, with a variety of ingredients, but it is most commonly served in noodle soups.

Pictured above is a delicious beef udon noodle soup that we enjoyed in Kyoto, Japan .

I like the simplicity of udon noodle soup. The flavourful savoury bowls are loaded with soft thick noodles, sliced chicken or beef, fresh vegetables and a variety of garnishes like green onion, sesame seeds, roasted seaweed slices, nora and dried garlic. 

The most common udon noodle soups are Kitsune Udon, Tempura Udon (pictured above, in the backdrop) and Chikara Udon (topped with grilled mochi rice cakes).

You will also find udon noodles served in a stir fry dish, called Yaki Udon , mixed with meat, vegetables and a soy based sauce. It’s similar to yakisoba, but the noodles are different.

Ramen is probably the most popular Japanese cuisine for tourists. 

Similar to udon, ramen is a noodle dish consisting of thinly sliced wheat noodles, protein, vegetables and is typically served in a rich savory broth. Ramen is the perfect Japanese food for beginners.

There are many types of broths, ingredients and garnishes that will completely change the flavour and texture of the ramen noodle soup. The four main ramen broth bases are soy, miso, salt and tonkotsu.

My favourite is miso ramen, but tonkotsu is a close second. Who and I kidding, I love them all!

You can also add items to your ramen. Typical ramen garnishes include chashu pork, menma (bamboo shoots), narutomaki (fish cake), scallion, shiraga negi (Japanese long green onion) and a marinated soft boiled egg ( Ajitsuke Tamago ). I love adding an extra soft boiled egg – they are heavenly when prepared properly.

Ramen is an inexpensive and popular dish that can be found almost anywhere in Japan. You won’t have a problem finding ramen restaurants in Tokyo or Kyoto.

That said, like most restaurants, some are better than others. If you’re only in Tokyo for a few days, research online reviews to find the best ramen restaurants in Japan. Make it count!

Related post – How to spend 3 days in Tokyo

The above photo was captured at a small ramen restaurant in Kobe that was recommended to us. This particular miso ramen dish is served with a variety of Kobe beef.  

Ramen is an easy introduction to Japanese food for kids. Our 8 year old son loves miso ramen. 

Soba is the Japanese name for thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flours. Similar to udon and ramen, soba noodles are often found in savory soup broth. However, soba noodles are also served cold with a dipping sauce or as a hot stir fry dish. 

There are many soba noodle recipes and dishes to taste, from spicy peanut soba noodle salad (served cold) to beef and vegetable stir fry soba noodles (yakisoba).

Many restaurants in Japan offer a set menu with soba noodle soup as the main dish, accompanied by a variety of side dishes, like tuna sushi, salmon sashimi, grilled vegetables, steamed spinach with peanut sauce (Goma-ae), crispy tempura batter and chawanmushi (traditional savory egg custard). 

Related –  50 Photos of Kyoto that will inspire you to visit  

Above is a soba noodle soup with egg, chicken and sliced nori (dried seaweed).

Another day, another bowl of noodles for this little guy.

7. Agedashi Tofu

Agedashi tofu is cubes of soft or silken tofu coated with potato starch and deep fried so that the outer shell is crispy. It’s typically served as an appetizer or side dish, but can also be the main item in a bento box or served as an entrée. 

If you’re vegetarian or don’t like to eat meat or fish, agedashi tofu is a great alternative. 

Agedashi tofu is typically served with a flavourful tsuyu sauce for dipping. It is sometimes served with grated radish, green onion, and bonito flakes as garnishes.

Be careful. Agedashi tofu is deep fried and it comes out hot, hot, hot! We’ve burnt the roof of our mouths several times because we were too eager to dive in. The trick is to stab the middle of each piece of tofu with your chopstick so the steam releases and the tofu cools down. Consider yourself warned. 

Above is a plate of large cubed agedashi tofu at a restaurant in Arima Onsen , an ancient hot spring town located near the city of Kobe. 

8. Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet)

Tonkatsu is a breaded, deep-fried/tempura pork cutlet that is traditionally served with rice and sliced cabbage. It is a popular Japanese food for beginners because, well, who doesn’t like deep fried <insert anything and everything>? 

Tonkatsu is similar to German schnitzel. However, the bread crumbs used for tonkatsu is called panko, which is different from the breadcrumbs used in Western cuisine. 

You will find variations of tonkatsu in Japan, including katsudon , which consists of tonkatsu served on a bowl of rice, and katsu sando , which is a sandwich with tonkatsu between two slices of plain white bread.

Katsukare is another Japanese cuisine that consists of sliced tonkatsu pork cutlet served with Japanese curry rice and curry. 

9. Yakitori

Yakitori is the japanese version of chicken skewers..

There are many variations of yakitori , however, typically the skewers are made with bamboo skewers and seasoned with tare sauce and/or salt and spice.

Yakitori comes in many forms, including white chicken skewers, chicken and spring onion, chicken meatballs, chicken small intestines, gizzard and chicken heart, to name a few. Some restaurants and specialty shops also have deep fried options available. 

Yakitori a popular Japanese street food that is commonly found at outdoor markets, food courts, sporting events and Yakitori-ya, which are  small shops that specialize in yakitori. It’s widely available at izakayas, informal Japanese bars that serve alcoholic drinks and snacks. Here’s a list of best izakaya alleys in Tokyo.

Related – The best things to do in Tokyo for first time visitors

Freshly grilled yakitori at a market in Japan.

Yakitori and deep fried skewers at a stall in Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

Chicken meatball yakitori served at a restaurant in Kyoto.

Gyoza is another popular Japanese dish that is a must try food in Japan. It’s commonly served as an appetizer or side dish at sushi restaurants.  

Gyoza is Japan’s version of the dumpling. It’s most similar to Chinese potstickers or jiaozi dumplings. These tasty Japanese dumplings are typically filled with minced pork, cabbage, scallions, garlic, and ginger. Vegetarian options are typically available, too. 

Gyozas are typically fried in sesame oil on one side, until they have a crispy bottom. The top of the gyoza is steamed, giving it a soft texture. They’re served with a dipping sauce of rice vinegar, soy sauce and chilli oil. 

Gyozas are an easy introduction to Japanese food for unadventurous eaters. 

11. Takoyaki

Takoyaki, also known as octopus balls , is a delicious doughy ball filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion..

They are commonly eaten as a snack or appetizer and are served with takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce) and mayonnaise, and garnished with shavings of dried seaweed and fish flakes.

You will find small shops and street food vendors serving takoyaki throughout Japan.

Gindaco Takoyaki is the famous takoyaki restaurant near Harajuku train station in Tokyo.

We highly recommend you visit this location. They serve the best takoyaki in Tokyo, in our opinion.

Be prepared to wait your turn, as this location is very popular. It’s worth wait. Do it.

This takoyaki platter is served plain with a light vinegar dipping sauce on the side. 

Takoyaki street food vendor near Fushimi Inari temple in Kyoto.

12. Chicken Karaage

Karaage is Japan’s version of fried chicken. The chicken is battered and deep fried until crispy on the outside. The chicken is often marinated prior to being coated with batter. 

Karaage is served alone or with rice and shredded cabbage. It’s often served as an appetizer but it can also be a stand alone dish. You will find karaage served at most Japanese restaurants, as well as street food vendors at outdoor and indoor markets. 

Our boys love chicken nuggets, so this tasty Japanese cuisine is one of their favourites. 

13. Kobe beef in Kobe Japan

For all you steak lovers out there, you must try kobe beef in kobe..

Kobe is famous for its Wagyu beef , arguably the finest cut of beef in the world, which comes from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle.

Kobe beef is a Japanese delicacy , valued for its flavour, tenderness, and fatty, well-marbled texture. Foodies flock to Kobe to sample it’s famous namesake.

First time visitors to Kobe will have no trouble finding a restaurant serving Kobe beef. It’s heavily advertised from the moment you get off the train at the Kobe train station.

There are a number of ways to sample this popular Japanese style of beef, from Kobe beef teppanyaki to Kobe beef hamburgers to Kobe beef sushi (pictured above).

Kobe beef is an expensive cut of meat , so your budget may dictate the best way to experience this celebrated Japanese cuisine. High-end steakhouses offer multi-course meals that serve a variety of cuts and styles of wagyu beef.

Or, you can enjoy Kobe beef on the cheap by sampling kobe beef sushi from a variety of restaurants or street food vendors. That’s what we did, because only one of us likes beef (hint – it’s not Nicole or the boys).

Now, if Kobe City is not on your original Japan travel itinerary, you can easily add it by taking a day trip to Kobe from Kyoto, Tokyo or Osaka. Or, you can simply get off the train in Kobe and have lunch or dinner, then get back on the train and continue to your next destination.

You will find wagyu beef throughout Japan, so don’t worry if you aren’t able to make it to Kobe. There are dozens of restaurants in Tokyo that serve wagyu beef, including Kobe beef, Omi beef and Matsusaka beef. 

Street food vendors in Kobe Chinatown serve a variety of Kobe beef to hungry visitors.

14. Yakiniku

Yakiniku is a Japanese term that refers to grilled meat. Basically, you grill your meat on an open flame at your table. It’s a fun Japanese dining experience that you should try on your Japan vacation.

We stumbled upon a great yakiniku restaurant, Yakiniku LIKE , while exploring the  Akihabara district in Tokyo. There are tablets at each table with an English menu and photos of each dish, so it’s an easy process with limited ‘lost in translation’ moments. 

We ordered a variety of pork and beef to grill at our table. The raw meat is marinated and sliced, so you just add to the flame and cook it as much, or as little, as you like. Meals are served with rice and there are several condiments at your table.

Our boys loved grilling meat on the table. This was there first time and it remains a highlight for them when we talk about our family trip to Japan.

Related – The top things to do in Tokyo for tourists

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Japanese BBQ at your table

We enjoyed a fun lunch at Rokkosan Genghis Khan Palace on Mount Rokkō in Kobe City. Rather than being grilled on an open flame, like yakiniku, this Japanese barbecue grill is on a hot iron plate. 

We ordered a variety of vegetables and meat, including Kobe beef, chicken and marinated pork, and grilled the food at our table. Our boys enjoyed using the tongs to flip the meat and listen to it sizzle on the iron plate. It’s a fun Japanese dining experience for tourists.

Grilling squid and giant mussels on an iron plate at our table . 

15. Shabu-shabu

Shabu-shabu is a hotpot dish that’s a big part of japanese food culture..

Basically, you cook your food at the table in a large heated pot with boiling water or broth. Some hotpots are split in half, like in the above photo, with each side having a different broth.

Most platters come with a variety of vegetables, seafood and thinly sliced meat, as well as dipping sauces, spices and garnishes so you can play with the flavours and heat.

Shabu-shabu is a fun Japanese dining experience to enjoy with friends and family. The idea is that you take your time and socialize around this bubbling hotpot. You dip your meat or vegetable as needed, rather than all at once. It’s a must try Japanese cultural experience for your Japan holiday.

16.  Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a japanese savory pancake with a variety of ingredients..

It’s a popular food in Japan for tourists because it’s a uniquely Japanese. There are different types of okonomiyaki throughout Japan, with toppings and batters varying depending on the region. 

Okonomiyaki is mainly associated with the Kansai or Hiroshima areas of Japan, though it’s said to have originated in Osaka. It is sometimes compared to an omelette and may be referred to as a Japanese pizza or Osaka soul food .

The Kansai style okonomiyaki is the most common version found throughout Japan and typically contains meat (thinly cut pork belly or bacon), octopus, squid, shrimp, vegetables, green onion, and/or cheese. We prefer the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki because we like the ingredients to be layered, rather than mixed. 

There’s also a semi-liquid okonomiyaki found in Tokyo called monjayaki. The ingredients in monjayaki are finely chopped and mixed into the batter before frying. 

Here’s a list of the best Okonomiyaki in Kyoto. 

Issen Yoshoku is a famous okonomiyaki restaurant in Gion, Kyoto.

While the savoury pancakes are delicious, this okonomiyaki restaurant in Kyoto might be more famous for its statue at the front entrance. See photo below.

When we visited Kyoto a decade ago, we stumbled upon this funny statue of a boy getting bitten by a dog with his pants down in front of a restaurant. We thought it was an odd statue, so we took a photo.

When we returned last year, we stumbled upon it once again, by pure chance. Of course, we had to take another photo to capture the memory. This time, the boy is wearing a Japan rugby jersey because we visited for the Japan Rugby World Cup .

While thousands of people may have a photo of this strange statue, few will have a photo of it decorated for the Japan Rugby World Cup. 

Related –  Our experience at the Rugby World Cup in Japan

17. Kare Raisu (Japanese Curry Rice)

When we think of Japanese food, rarely does curry come to mind. That’s why we were surprised to see how popular kare raisu is throughout Japan.

Japanese curry rice tastes different from the curry you find in India or Southeast Asia. The main ingredients for Japanese curry are a variety of meats (chicken, pork or beef), vegetables (onions, carrots and sweet potatoes/yams) and spices. We found Japanese curry to taste more like a thick gravy with a curry flavour. 

We’re told that kare raisu is a good example of yoshoku , which takes dishes from Western culture and adapts them to meet Japanese tastes and preferences (fusion cuisine). Japanese curry rice is an inexpensive Japanese dish that can easily be found throughout Japan. 

We enjoyed Japanese curry rice for lunch when we visited Tokyo Disneyland .

18. Bento Box

If you have not tried a japanese bento box, you are missing out. .

There are literally hundreds of varieties of bento boxes in Japan. A bento box is typically a single portion takeout or prepackaged meal, however you can also order bento boxes at restaurants. A typical bento box has a balance of dishes, most often including rice, meat or fish, and pickled vegetables.

We often order bento boxes for lunch at sushi restaurants because they offer a variety of items to sample. 

During our travels in Japan, we would pick up bento boxes and bring them back to our hotel room or apartment rental. They are convenient, inexpensive and mostly healthy. Bento boxes are also a great way to sample a variety of side dishes that you might not have ordered otherwise. 

19. Oden (Japanese one-pot dishes)

Oden is an interesting part to Japanese food culture. It’s a common food in Japan that gets mixed reactions from tourists and first time visitors.

Basically, oden is a type of hotpot with an assortment of vegetables and proteins, including sausages, processed fish cakes, mochi rice cakes, daikon radish, konjac yam, tofu, and boiled eggs, to name a few. These items are stewed in a light broth and served to order. Ingredients vary according to region.

As a tourist, we had a hard time deciphering each item. In the photo above, this restaurant has a variety of items soaking in a hot broth. Guests walk up to the window and order items to take home.

Oden at Convenience Stores in Japan

Most convenience stores in Japan will have oden during the winter months. You typically find this food at the front of the store, near the cashier. The most common convenience stores in Japan are Seven Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart.

You will find at least one of these convenience stores on virtually every block in the city. Purchasing premade food items at convenience stores is an easy way to travel cheap in Japan.

In some stores, an employee will serve you. In other stores, you help yourself. You simply take a bowl and add the specific items you would like. It’s common to add broth to the bowl to keep your items hot. 

20. Street food at Japanese markets

There’s no shortage of interesting japanese cuisine at food markets in japan..

We like visiting markets when we travel because they provide insight into the food culture of a country. They typically have several vendors selling a wide variety of food items, so they’re a great place to let your curiousity run wild. 

Some of the popular temples in Kyoto have rows of vendors selling grilled meats and traditional Japanese quick eats, like yakitori, grilled squid (above photo), takoyaki, hanami dango (sweet rice balls) and deep fried pastries.

If you’re looking for food to try in Tokyo, check out this list of the best food markets in Tokyo.

Nishiki Market in Kyoto

Known as Kyoto’s Kitchen , Nishiki Market is a great place to sample food in Japan. It’s a narrow, five block long shopping street that specializes food related items, like fresh seafood, grilled meats, produce, pickled food, dried foods and sushi.

If you’re unsure of what to try in Kyoto, Nishiki Market is a great place to start.

Ready to eat sea urchin at Nishiki Market. 

Grilled wagyu beef on a skewer at Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

This vendor is selling a variety of steamed and fried food on a stick. 

We like visiting small food vendors that sell a wide range of bite size items. It’s quick and easy way to try several different items.

Most vendors at Nishiki Market have English menus, which makes it easy for tourists to understand what they’re ordering. Each item costs between 400-800 yen, which is about $5.00 to $10.00 CAD.

He’s not sure about these interesting food items on display at the market. 

Sweet baby octopus with an egg brain?

One of the most popular and eccentric street food snacks found at Nishiki Market is Tako Tamago, which is a little red octopus on a stick.

The glazed baby octopus have a quail egg stuffed into the head, which makes for a unique flavour combo. The baby octopus has a sweet, candy-like flavour and the egg has a mushy, hard boiled egg texture. It’s quite rubbery and chewy. Not my favourite, but not too bad, either.

It’s certainly one of the more unique foods to eat in Japan, though I’m pretty sure most tourists purchase these little red octopus on a stick for the novelty. Because, let’s be honest, it’s not every day you get to eat an entire octopus on a stick, am I right?

Dozens of vendors sell the popular red octopus on a stick at the popular Kyoto market.

Another strange food in Kyoto is the grilled sparrow bird on a stick.

We’re told that grilled sparrow is a Japanese delicacy, but we couldn’t stomach eating this bat-like bird on a stick. 

Have you tried grilled sparrow on a stick? Did you like it? Leave us a comment below.

Salted fish on stick? This particular item stood out to us because we don’t often consider eating an entire fish, including the skin, tails, eyes, gills, bones, etc. I’m sure there’s a graceful way to tackle this fish without consuming everything, although I’m not sure this fish stick is for me. 

Dango is a popular Japanese sweet dumpling, similar to mochi. It’s typically served on a skewer with 3 balls per skewer. We sampled these green dango skewers near the entrance to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

Matcha sweet rice cake on display at Nishiki Market. Matcha green tea is a big part of Japanese cuisine. You will find matcha flavoured everything in Japan, from chocolate bars to potato chips to ice cream. 

Is it okay to walk and eat in Japan?

Unlike north america, it is considered rude to walk and eat at the same time..

First time visitors to Japan will quickly learn that walking and eating in Japan is frowned upon. If you purchase food from a market or street vendor, the expectation is that you will NOT walk down the street or market while eating your food.

This applies to food purchased at convenient stores, like 7 Eleven and Family Mart. It is acceptable to eat at the place of purchase or close to the store. There’s usually a designated area for eating. If not, you will need to find an acceptable place to eat your food or bring it back to your hotel and eat it there.

Park benches in public spaces are generally okay, but avoid eating messy or strong smelling foods. It is also acceptable to drink while standing beside a vending machine.

Eating and drinking on local trains and public transportation is frowned upon. However, eating food on long distance express trains, like the Shinkansen, is acceptable.

Learn about the Do’s and Don’ts of Japan travel .

Do NOT tip at restaurants

One of the most common questions for first time visitors is – do you need to tip in Japan?

Tipping is not expected in Japan. In some cases, it’s actually considered to be rude.

This is one of the best Japan travel tips we can give – you do NOT tip in Japan.

Food from convenience stores in Japan

We rarely eat at convenience stores in Canada, unless we’re on a road trip or there aren’t other food options available. In Japan, eating at convenience stores is quite common.

Japanese convenience stores have a good selection of prepared food, from sandwiches to bento boxes to baked goods. We often grabbed prepackaged sandwiches (picture above) and pastries for breakfast each morning.  

One of the most popular snacks to eat in Japan is Onigiri . Onigiri are rice balls formed into triangular or round shapes and wrapped in seaweed (nori). Some are filled with fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, shrimp, etc), chicken, pork, vegetables, egg and fried food, like tempura and tonkatsu. Onigiri is a cheap Japanese food that’s is easy and widely available at almost every convenience store in Japan.

Variety of prepackaged sushi rolls and nigiri combos at the Kyoto train station.

Convenience stores in Japan have plenty of prepackaged meals available for takeaway.

Japanese Breakfast at Hotels

I though it worth mentioning the hotel breakfast situation in Japan, given that many European travellers expect breakfast to be included with the hotel price.

Depending on your hotel, breakfast may be available. But don’t expect breakfast to be included in the hotel room price. Some budget hotels will not have breakfast available at all. 

Japanese breakfast is quite different from North American and European breakfast.

Typically, a traditional Japanese breakfast consists of steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish and a variety of side dishes. You will find a lot of pickled vegetables, garnishes, dried food and other items that you might not associate with breakfast. 

This is a great way to sample new flavours and items you might not order at a restaurant. Ask questions and give the Japanese breakfast items a try. You never know, you might just like fermented soy beans (natto) and dried horse mackerel for breakfast?

The breakfast buffet at the Hotel Gracery Tamachi  in Tokyo.

Order your food from a Vending Machine

One of the things we love about Japan is that everything is efficient and convenient. A perfect example of this efficiency is the electronic vending machines located outside many Japanese restaurants.

The touch screen machines often have photos of each dish, which is convenient and avoids the potential language barrier that may arise if you had to order from a server who does not speak English.

The process is simple. You select the food you want from the touch screen machines, pay with cash or credit card, grab your receipt and head inside. The food is then delivered to your table or your number is called and you pick it up from the counter. 

Once you are finished eating your meal, you simply get up and leave. No need to wait for a server to bring the bill or wait to pay. It’s a very efficient system that removes service breakdown.

Food in Japan for kids

If you’re travelling to Japan with kids, you’re liking concerned about whether your kids will enjoy the food in Japan. There’s nothing worse than constantly battling your kids to eat.

Our boys like Japanese food, so we knew they would like eating at Japanese restaurants. However, our concern was that after a few days they would get bored and start complaining. 

Fortunately, Japanese food is quite diverse and, as you’ve seen in this beginner’s guide to food in Japan, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Travel tips for eating in Japan with kids

• Shop at convenience stores. Pick up prepackaged food, snacks, pastries and drinks from convenience stores and bring them back to your hotel room. You don’t have to dine out for every meal. Give yourself a break if your kids are burnt out.
• Vending machines are everywhere in Japan. Keep some change in your pocket because you’ll find these vending machines do the trick when your kids are thirsty. 
• Look at the plastic dishes in the window. Most Japanese restaurants have plastic replicas on display. Let your kids see the available options and pick a dish that interests them before you enter the restaurant. That way there’s no confusion over what to order when you sit down.
• Download Google translate. When you have a Lost in Translation moment, ask the Google for help.
• Eat breakfast in your hotel room. We purchased a bag of Frosted Flakes from a Family Mart and our boys had cereal for breakfast each morning. It saved us time and money. 
• Bring snacks from home. Pack your luggage with your kid’s favourite snacks, treats and cereal. Sometimes a familiar treat is all it takes to get your kids feeling normal again.
• There are lots of fast food restaurants in Japan. Sometimes chicken nuggets from McDonald’s is the answer. We get it. Don’t worry, Japan has most of the big names in fast food. It’s okay to give yourself some comfort food from home when you’re travelling.

Read these helpful Japan travel tips for first timers .

For an easy introduction to sushi, order your kids the cucumber roll (kappa maki) with a miso soup. Let them play with the chopsticks and experiment. If they don’t like the sushi roll, no big deal. These are typically the cheapest items on the menu. 

Most Japanese restaurants that serve chicken karaage will also have French fries on the menu. We told our boys that we ordered them chicken nuggets and fries. They rarely noticed the difference.

Our boys did pretty good at trying new food. Like most kids, their natural default is to resist food that is different or foreign. However, the more Japanese food they tried, the more comfortable they got.  

Don’t worry, if your kids don’t like the food in Japan, there’s always donuts! 

And that’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed this tasty beginner’s guide to food in Japan.

More blog posts from our trip to Japan:

• How to spend 3 days in Tokyo: Travel guide for first time visitors
• Staying at Tokyo Disney Resort – what you need to know

Have you visited Japan? What is your favourite food in Japan? 

Leave a comment below. Our readers thank you!

Related posts:

10/20/2020 at 3:33 pm

Very good presentation of food in Japan! Having family in Tokyo we have been traveling around Japan the last 8 years, so I find this post the best about your experience in Japan! It is a pleasure to follow you ,thank you for sharing your travel experiences! You inspired us to go to some places in BC! And it was worth it…We can’t wait to take our grandchildren living in Tokyo to some places where you have been traveled with yours! Wonderful travel blog!

12/21/2020 at 7:14 pm

This is a great intro to Japanese food! Japan is obviously one of the great places to try new things!! And it looks like you and your family tried a lot!! Thanks for sharing and happy #TravelBlogTuesday 🙂

02/19/2021 at 3:31 pm

What a great source and extensive knowledge of food from here. A great read and will certainly be using the post in the future

07/19/2021 at 5:53 am

What a fabulous post about food in Japan! Should be required reading for first-time travellers to Japan. Happy travels.

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Food in Japan: 25 Japanese dishes you need to try

Want a gastronomy experience with a difference? With cuisine and culture often intertwined, you’ll get to sample the very best food in Japan .

Whether it’s meals that originated thousands of years ago or more recent dishes from this century, go on a journey through history in this incredible country – one bite at a time.

Food in Japan: Seafood

Being an island nation, Japan is known for its seafood dishes. If you’re a fish lover, make sure you put the following dishes on your bucket list:

One of the Japanese dishes that make a trip to Japan complete is sushi. A dish that goes hand in hand with the culture of the country, you’ll find it served throughout the nation’s restaurants. One of the first Japanese delicacies that were exported overseas in the 19th century, it’s become part and parcel of fast food throughout the world.

The word ‘sushi’ means any dish made with Japanese rice that’s been seasoned with rice vinegar. While it can come in a range of forms, the most iconic varieties include seafood, which is known as nigiri sushi. Other popular versions include makizushi and inarizushi. Sushi is now a dish that can be associated with fancy restaurants but it had humble street-food origins, making it a classic dish that you won’t want to miss.

Sashimi is a Japanese food that splits opinions among visitors to the country. A controversial dish that exclusively uses raw fish or meat, it’s often served with daikon radish, wasabi, soy sauce and ginger. With the raw fish (or meat) having been expertly sliced into thin layers, it can be a bit of a culture shock to those who aren’t used to eating uncooked fish. However, for locals, it has been a mainstay of their diet for centuries.

Having initially started eating raw fish due to the health benefits, as raw fish provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s remained a popular part of the country’s cuisine. Seafood in general is a staple food of Japan due to the nation’s geography, being an island that has both freshwater and ocean fishing in abundance. With Buddhist and Shinto religions also being prevalent in the country, both of which discourage eating meat, fish was a natural replacement as one of the main sources of protein.

If you’re after a salty fish, then mentaiko is often considered the best Japanese food. This salty delicacy is made using pollock or cod fish eggs that are marinated in salty and savory seasoning. Spice lovers can also opt for karashi mentaiko, which is marinated in a spicy sauce. This dish is traditionally consumed as a side dish, as a topping for ramen or as an onigiri rice ball filling.

Over the years, the use of this fish dish has evolved, with many chefs now mixing it with butter or cream to make a mentaiko pasta sauce. The origins of this cuisine are from Kyushu, which is the third largest of Japan’s islands. So, if you want to taste it at its best, this is a great place to visit.

Another popular food in Japan is unagi, which is a river eel grilled on charcoal and coated with sweet barbecue sauce. Folklore suggests that unagi is the perfect antidote to the heat and humidity of the often sweltering Japanese summers, so it’s worth giving it a go if you’re visiting during the warmer months.

There are many restaurants in Japan that specialize in eel, which is a great way to enjoy a delicacy that is evocative of years gone by. Dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867), this dish is steeped in history. A good time to try this cuisine is between May and October, with fresh and wild unagi being caught during this period.

The method of cooking this fish can also be used on other seafood. So, if you’re not quite ready to try eel, you can also enjoy this cuisine with catfish, for example.

Food in Japan: One-pot dishes

Homely, comforting meals don’t get much better than one-pots. Using a range of the finest and freshest ingredients, this is one type of meal you must try when in Japan.

Often enjoyed in the winter months to warm your insides, this meal consists of seared beef, sukiyaki broth and a range of vegetables, proteins and noodles. The word sukiyaki means ‘cook what you want’, so don’t be surprised to see it coming in a range of forms.

The dish has deep-rooted origins in the country, which date back to the Meiji era (1868-1912), when Japanese farmers used to cook the dish using a variety of ingredients. You’ll find this dish throughout the nation, with it being one of the most popular cuisines in the country.

Another classic one-pot meal for the cold Japanese winters is oden. A hot-pot dish, or locally referred to as a nabemono, it is similar to sukiyaki. Using a variety of vegetables and proteins, like fish cakes and boiled eggs, this meal is stewed in a light broth and seasoned with soy sauce and dashi.

Often served in a large pot from the center of the table, it’s the ideal sharing dish if you’re traveling with your family or in a large group. A good way to enjoy this meal is to pick out your favorite pieces and eat them with karashi mustard as well as other condiments. Not only a winter warmer during the cold months, the simmering pot also acts as a heater for the table to keep you extra warm.

If you’re looking for a classic food in Japan that can be found in most restaurants, look no further than nikujaga. This tasty dish consists of meats, potatoes and a variety of vegetables. Topped off with soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar, this stew belongs to the range of dishes called nimono, which refers to simmered things.

One of the most authentic ways you can enjoy this dish is at a Japanese guesthouse, as it’s a popular cuisine for families to cook. This also gives you another experience during your travels to Japan, as you’ll get a better idea of how the locals live. This dish was created in the 19th century by the Imperial Japanese Navy to keep hungry soldiers well-fed, so expect to be full to the brim once you’re finished.

Shabu-shabu

The word shabu-shabu is the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound of thin slices of meat being swished around in broth. The dish itself is made by boiling a range of ingredients, like vegetables and tofu, in a seasoned broth. You then dip thin slices of meat into it (similar to a fondue) and swish them around until cooked. After this, you can dip your meat into a sauce and enjoy eating it along with other ingredients.

Food in Japan: Classic dishes

There is a range of classic dishes for which Japan is well known. With a selection of meals that cater for all food preferences, there’s something for all.

This food in Japan could also go into the rice category, but as it’s a classic meal, we’ve put it with these other delicious meals. Almost as popular as ramen (which says something about how often it’s eaten), this dish is a common choice for busy Japanese workers in the cities. It’s made from a variety of fried meats, fish and vegetables and served over steamed rice in a large bowl.

With the earliest mention of this dish appearing all the way back in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), you’ll be able to enjoy a cuisine that has stood the test of time. It’s also ideal for tourists who want an easy introduction to Japanese food, thanks to its basic ingredients. You’ll also be able to enjoy donburi as a quick pit stop during your day, so you can get back to sightseeing as quickly as possible.

Another famous food in Japan is tempura, which is well-known throughout the world. Tempura is a range of crispy fried foods, and is the perfect meal for anyone who wants to play it safe with their meal choice in Japan. From fish to meat to vegetables, chefs fry the ingredients in a tempura batter until they are golden and crunchy. This dish is delicious either on its own or accompanied by rice bowls or noodle soup.

Unsurprisingly, this cuisine was actually introduced to Japan during the 1600s when Portuguese Catholic missionaries were in the country. Fast forward several centuries and it’s still a favorite among the locals.

One of the most iconic foods in Japan is kaiseki. To this day, the home of kaiseki remains Kyoto , so if you want an authentic experience, this is the place to go. This meal consists of a selection of small courses that are meticulously arranged into what is easily mistaken as art. Fresh seasonal ingredients are used to create the dish, meaning it changes depending on the time of year you visit.

The variety of dishes tends to demonstrate a range of different cooking techniques, so you can appreciate a variety of natural flavors. One of the best types of restaurants to find this great meal is a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn).

Okonomiyaki

When you’re looking for Japanese comfort food, look no further than okonomiyaki. A savory pancake that is filled with a selection of foods, such as cabbage or pork, it goes against the typically refined image of Japanese cuisine. Topped off with fish flakes, seaweed, sauces and mayonnaise, it’s the perfect guilty-pleasure meal.

One of the best things about this meal is that most restaurants allow you to make it yourself, with there being a grill in the middle of the table so you can cook up a storm. While the origins of this meal date back prior to the Hiroshima bombing, this meal became extremely popular in 1945, when food was hard to come by in the country. Two of the best cities to try this cuisine are Osaka and Hiroshima .

Tonkatsu is also another food in Japan that is well worth a try. Dating back to the late 19th century when Japan became more open to Western influences, this meal has become more and more popular. Don’t be fooled by the European influence though, as this version of the meal is very Japanese.

This dish is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, which is cooked to be tender and mouth-watering. Often served with a side of miso soup and shredded cabbage, it’s a tasty way to introduce yourself to Japanese cuisine.

A popular food in Japan with workers is yakitori, which is skewers of char-coaled chicken. Often served with a beer, it’s somewhat of an evening ritual for many citizens of Japan. You can choose from pretty much all parts of the chicken too, being seasoned to perfection and served with a side of sauce and batter. Due to its basic ingredients, this is also the ideal meal for tourists to try if you want to dip your toes into the delights of Japanese cuisine.

Often considered a divisive snack in Japan, natto is either loved or loathed. This traditional Japanese food is created by fermenting soybeans in a certain bacteria. As you can imagine, there is quite a strong smell to this delicacy, akin to moldy cheese. Add to that a sticky and slimy texture, it may not sound like your ideal dish.

However, the full-bodied taste and salty, savory flavor are enough to make millions love the dish. It’s definitely worth trying, as it also offers great nutritional value. Decide for yourself whether this is the snack of choice for you.

This versatile dish can be consumed alongside every meal of the day, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists. The word tamagoyaki translates to ‘cooked egg’ and is essentially several layers of eggs seasoned with soy sauce. The final appearance of this dish often looks like a rolled-up crepe. You’ll find this meal served in most sushi bars as the final course, as it has a slight sweetness to it that makes it dessert worthy.

Last in my list of classic dishes from Japan is gyoza, moon-shaped dumplings. This savory meal was first created in the 17th century, but it didn’t become really popular until the 1900s, when gyoza restaurants started popping up across the cities. Filled with a selection of ingredients, like pork mince, onion, cabbage and mushrooms, it’s then wrapped in a gyoza wrapper, sealed around the edges with pleats and then steamed or fried.

Food in Japan: Noodle and rice dishes

Known for its rice and noodle dishes, you won’t have to travel far in Japan to get one of these famous meals. Check out my favorites below.

One of my favorite noodle dishes is soba, which translates to ‘buckwheat’. It’s one of the most popular types of noodles eaten throughout the country and is made from, you guessed it, buckwheat flour. This flour often gives a slightly earthy and nutty flavor to the dish. One of the main benefits is that buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for anyone with gluten intolerance.

You can enjoy soba with a range of ingredients too, making it a very versatile meal. From being served in hot soups or as a side dish alongside various types of meat and vegetables, it’s something everyone can enjoy. As ancient meals go, this is one which dates back as far as 300 BCE, so you can enjoy a bit of history with every bite.

For anyone who wants to start their Japanese food journey with something a little more familiar, curry rice is the meal to have. Known locally as kare or kare raisu, this dish was introduced by the British during the Meiji era. This curry differs from Indian curries because it is slightly sweeter and thicker. It often resembles a stew and is served with rice.

One of the best places to try this meal is at a guesthouse or, if you’re lucky enough to be invited for dinner, at a local’s house. This way, you can enjoy the preparation and culture of Japanese dinner times too, which is a great way to experience the country.

Known across the world, ramen is a popular dish that consists of egg noodles and a salty broth. This dish was first created in China in the 18th century and then introduced to Japan during the late 19th century. Since then, locals have made the dish their own, with there being four types of ramen to pick from. Tonkotsu (pork bone) is one of the most popular, whilst you can also get miso, soy sauce and salt styles too.

One of the best places to try out this cuisine is Fukuoka, which is a city on the northern shore of Kyushu Island. This city is well known for its rich tonkotsu ramen. Alternatively, head to Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, which is famous for its pungent miso ramen.

Finishing off the list of top rice and noodle dishes in Japan is yakisoba. During the summer season, you’ll find yakisoba stands throughout cities and at festivals, making it one of the most popular dishes to eat. Using fried noodles and a combination of ingredients like pork, cabbage and carrot, this cuisine is a taste sensation that is only enhanced by the barbecue sauce topping.

While the word soba from earlier in my list means buckwheat, it’s important to know that yakisoba does not use buckwheat. This means that gluten is present in these types of noodles.

Food in Japan: Sides and desserts

Finish off your meal with a side or dessert, so that you get the full experience. From soups to sweets, you’ll find a great range of foods to pick from.

Miso soup is a food of Japan that is recognized across the globe. One of the most consumed meals in the country, it’s made from a combination of miso paste and dashi broth. Topped with tofu, onion and seaweed, this classic dish is a must-try during your travels around the country.

It’s normally served as a side or starter with traditional breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It’s thought that the complex flavors of the soup help to enhance the taste of your main dish too, which is an added bonus.

One of the benefits of onigiri is that it’s a portable cuisine which can be taken with you and eaten whenever and wherever you please. A rice ball which also goes by the name of omusubi and nigirimeshi, they are often molded into cylinders or triangles and wrapped in nori seaweed.

This type of meal dates back hundreds of years. One of the most popular places to try it when you’re on holiday in Japan is at a convenience store, which sell them for about $1 a piece. Some of the most common fillings in onigiri are pickled plums, tuna mayonnaise, teriyaki chicken and seasoned seaweed.

Finish off your meal with a traditional Japanese sweet called wagashi. Created during the Edo period, they’re a treat that’s influenced by a range of Japanese ingredients and flavors. One of the most popular types of this treat is dango, which is sweet mochi balls with syrup. If you’re looking for a guaranteed family favorite on your trip to Japan, look no further.

Chawanmushi

Last but certainly not least on my list of foods in Japan is chawanmushi, which is a steamed savory egg custard. Consisting of meats, vegetables, nuts and fish, this dish is the perfect addition to many main meals in Japan. With its history dating back to over 300 years ago, the Japanese have had plenty of time to perfect their way of cooking this hidden gem of a meal.

If you’re a food lover but you’re not visiting Japan, then check out some of these other food-inspired blogs from around the world. Discover some of the best hidden-gem restaurants worth traveling for or learn about 3 Ways to See Seattle . Or, if you’re staying in Europe, get inspired by the best restaurants in Rome .

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Best places to visit in japan.

Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan's civilization dates as far back as 30,000 years. Today, the archipelago seamlessly blends its rich history with its ultra-modern present. And while its capital, Tokyo, is a must-visit for first timers, Japan has so much more to offer travelers of all types, from cherry blossoms to white sand beaches to soothing onsen (hot spring spas). U.S. News took into account cultural attractions, culinary options and accessibility (among other factors) to bring you the best places to visit in Japan. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's ranking.

Izu Peninsula

This metropolis is a feast for the senses. Neighborhoods like Ginza and Akihabara buzz with flashing lights and larger-than-life shopping, while Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Imperial Palace give you a look into Japan's storied past. There are also a number of green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which acts as a place to escape from the chaotic, concrete jungle. What's more, Tokyo is regularly regarded as a top foodie city thanks in part to its abundant Michelin-starred restaurants (the most you'll find in any city in the world), so come hungry.

Travelers most interested in Japan's history and traditions should head to Kyoto. Centrally located on the archipelago, Kyoto has long been considered the cultural capital of Japan. Here, you'll find more than 1,000 Buddhist temples and 400-plus Shinto shrines (you can't miss the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha), including a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can also stroll through geisha districts like Gion and Miyagawacho, admire classic wooden architecture and visit traditional teahouses before checking out more modern attractions, such as the Kyoto Aquarium.

Nikko is the place to go to see lavish architecture surrounded by nature. Head to Nikko National Park, one of Japan's oldest national parks, to enjoy an up-close look at traditional structures situated alongside mountains, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The park is especially beautiful in fall when its trees display vivid shades of yellow, red and orange. The 103 Edo-era (1603–1868) temples and shrines in Nikko include world-renowned sites like Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.

Situated about 35 miles southwest of Kyoto, this port city is worth a visit for its food alone. One of the city's most famous dishes, the tasty pancake-like okonomiyaki (which means "grilled as you like it" in Japanese), is made with batter, cabbage and your choice of meat and other toppings. After you've gotten your fill of the delectable local cuisine, explore the flashy Dotonbori neighborhood, check out the reconstructed 16th-century Osaka Castle or head to contemporary sights like Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

As Japan's second most populous city, Yokohama is often touted as a more approachable and more affordable alternative to Tokyo (located 22 miles northeast). As one of the country's first ports to open to international trade, Yokohama features unique culture fusions, including a sizable expat population, Western-style buildings in the Yamate area and the largest Chinatown in Japan (it has more businesses than residents). While here, visitors can explore Minato Mirai 21, the city's modern central district teeming with skyscrapers and shopping malls, and visit museums ranging from the Cup Noodles Museum to the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum.

More than 160 islands comprise Okinawa, a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The Japanese prefecture boasts proximity to multiple coral reefs teeming with fish, manta rays and hammerhead sharks that you can access from beautiful beaches like those found on Okinawa's Kerama Islands. These 20-plus islands are also ideal places to see migrating whales between January and March. Back on the main island, visitors will find one of the world's largest aquariums, several castle ruins and a museum that focuses on Okinawa's unique history and culture. And on the less developed Iriomote Island, adventurous travelers can hike to awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Spared from World War II air raids and the major natural disasters that have affected other Japanese cities, Kanazawa on the western coast is home to some of the country's best-preserved architecture from the Edo period. Sites like Kanazawa Castle, Seisonkaku Villa and Myoryuji temple are popular among visitors, as are the Higashi Chaya geisha district and Nagamachi Samurai District. Plus, no trip to Kanazawa would be complete without a visit to the resplendent Kenrokuen Garden. With its water features, bridges and a variety of flowering trees that add beauty to any season, Kenrokuen is often described as the perfect garden.

Nestled in the mountains of the Gifu prefecture, Takayama is ideal for visitors looking for a rural retreat with a dose of history. Start your visit with a rickshaw ride through the well-preserved old town, which features sake breweries, traditional residences and shops that date back to the feudal ages. Then, head to the Hida Folk Village, a former farming village with 30 gassho-style houses. When you've worked up an appetite, indulge in must-try local specialties including Hida beef and Takayama ramen. To further immerse yourself in Takayama culture, visit during the Takayama Festival, held for two days every spring and fall.

The country's tallest mountain and one of its most iconic landmarks is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. For centuries, Japanese artists and poets have been inspired by Mount Fuji's almost perfectly round form. The Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a great base for the thousands of climbers who visit each year. Enjoy the area's museums and amusement park during the warmer months. Or, arrive in winter to soak in the onsen and ski Mount Fuji's slopes.

Located on Kyushu (Japan's third-largest island), Fukuoka offers travelers a mix of urban sprawl, sandy coastlines and ancient temples and shrines. Can't-miss sights include Tochoji Temple – home of the largest sitting wooden Buddha in Japan – and Nokonoshima Island, which features colorful flower fields and beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Fukuoka is also known for its incredible Hakata ramen, so be sure to try this tasty dish at one of the city's many food stalls. Plan your visit around one of Fukuoka's lively festivals, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which takes place throughout the first half of July.

Head to the smallest of Japan's four main islands if you're looking to get off the beaten path. Shikoku is best known for its 88 Temple Pilgrimage – a nearly 750-mile loop that covers sacred sites around the island. Whether you're trekking this path or creating your own, you'll encounter Shikoku's natural beauty (think: forest-covered mountains and an unspoiled coastline). Meanwhile, the city of Kochi features cheap eats and a well-preserved castle. If you're visiting in mid-August, add Shikoku's cultural pinnacle, Awa Odori, to your itinerary. One of the most famous festivals in Japan, this dance celebration in the city of Takushima is a must-do.

Mountainous Hakone is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. Nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town features 17 different hot springs, plus a hot spring theme park with unique baths like one with coffee and another with mulled wine. After you've dried off, visit one of Hakone's art museums, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Okada Museum of Art or the Hakone Museum of Art. No Hakone vacation would be complete without enjoying spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko and the Komagatake Ropeway.

After an earthquake caused significant damage to the city in 1995, Kobe rebuilt itself into a thriving cosmopolitan city. You'll want to remember to bring your appetite when you visit. Kobe is famous for its namesake beef, as well as its sake. It's also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities, with sleek architecture and beautiful green spaces like Sorakuen Garden. For some of the city's best views – especially at sunset – go to the top of Mount Rokko or ride the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway. End your evening exploring Nankinmachi (Kobe's compact Chinatown) or dining at one of Kobe Harborland's waterfront restaurants.

For many, Hiroshima brings up memories of war, as the city is where the world's first atomic bomb attack occurred in 1945. But today, Hiroshima is a city of peace, with the vast Peace Memorial Park as the center for monuments and memorials like the  the Children's Peace Monument and the UNESCO-certified Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome). It is also a city of great beauty. Travelers can take a scenic stroll through Shukkeien Garden, peruse the exhibits at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art or visit Sandankyo Gorge to hike or boat past its beautiful waterfalls, caves and coves.

Tourists flock to the island of Miyajima (formally named Itsukushima) for its prime attraction: Itsukushima Shrine and its postcard-worthy torii gate. To see the shrine at its most picturesque, try to visit during high tide, when the gate appears to float on the water. Since the island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima, it makes for a great day trip. However, visitors may want to stay the night at a charming ryokan (Japanese-style inn) to experience Miyajima at its most serene and walk by the illuminated shrine at night.

An outdoor-lover's delight, Matsumoto is just 22 miles east of Kamikochi, an awe-inspiring valley in the Hotaka mountain range. But though it serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps, this city in central Japan should not be skipped over. As the birthplace of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, known for polka dots and pumpkins, Matsumoto pays her tribute at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Meanwhile, those who prefer more ancient masterpieces can visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and grandest castles in the country.  

Japan's first permanent capital is famous for housing the Great Buddha, a nearly 50-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha. You'll find this jaw-dropping national treasure in Nara's Todaiji temple, which is the one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. While on the temple grounds, explore the deer-filled Nara Park and the ornate Kasuga Taisha shrine. Also save time for visiting Yakushiji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples that dates back to A.D. 730.

This peninsula situated 62 miles southwest of Tokyo makes a great getaway from the busy city. It is popular among locals and tourists alike thanks to its relaxing hot springs and stunning beaches. These, along with various museums and ryokans, can be found in cities like Atami and Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula's eastern coast. During spring visits, travelers will also want to check out Kawazu's vibrant pink blooms at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Meanwhile, on the southern and western coasts, vacationers will find more rugged yet equally scenic coastlines, such as Cape Irozaki and Dogashima.

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The 10 most wonderful places to visit in Japan

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

From buzzing cities to serene forest walks, these are our favorite places to visit in Japan © Taiyou Nomachi / Getty Images

Japan offers up a real feast for travelers, with mountainside onsen (hot spring) villages, beach-lined islands and buzzing megacities all on the menu.

You could arguably spend a lifetime sampling the country’s delights, but some towns and sights are staples – core ingredients to any great Japan trip. Here’s our pick of the 10 best places to visit in Japan .

Best for contemporary culture

Tokyo is a city forever reaching into the future, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on densely populated, earthquake-prone land, and building ever taller, sleeker structures.

It's Japan's top spot for contemporary art and architecture, pop culture, shopping, drinking and entertainment (and a tie with Kyoto for dining). But more than any other sight, it's the city itself that enchants visitors.

It's a sprawling, organic thing, stretching as far as the eye can see. Constantly changing with a diverse collection of neighborhoods , no two experiences of Tokyo are ever the same.

Planning tip: Tickets for sumo, kabuki and Giants baseball games usually go on sale one to two months in advance. The Imperial Palace and Ghibli Museum are other popular attractions that require prior planning.

Best for traditional experiences

Kyoto , Japan's imperial capital for a thousand years, is home to more than a thousand temples. Among them are the monumental, like Kinkaku-ji (an exquisite pavilion sheathed entirely in gold leaf), and the meditative, like Ryōan-ji , with its stark Zen rock garden.

And temples are only the beginning. There's the culture of tea, which you can appreciate at one of the city's many elegant teahouses; the art of the geisha, those iconic performers of traditional music and dance; and also a rich food culture, including kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine).

3. Naoshima

Best for architecture

Naoshima is one of Japan's great success stories: once a rural island on the verge of becoming a ghost town, it's now a world-class center for contemporary art.

Many of Japan's most lauded architects have contributed structures, including museums, a boutique hotel and even a bathhouse – all designed to enhance the island's natural beauty and complement its existing settlements.

The resulting blend of avant-garde and rural Japan is captivating. It has also inspired some Japanese to pursue a slower life outside the big cities, relocating to Naoshima to open cafes and inns.

Planning tip: Try to plan your visit during one of the three exhibitions of the  Setouchi Triennale festival, which happens during the spring, summer and fall every three years – the most recent was in 2022. Naoshima hosts various art, drama, music and dance events that make this festival really special.

Best for views and pilgrimages

Even from a distance,  Mt Fuji will take your breath away. Close up, the perfectly symmetrical cone of Japan's highest peak is nothing short of incredible. Dawn from the summit? Pure magic.

Fuji-san is among Japan's most revered and timeless attractions. Hundreds of thousands of people climb it every year, continuing a centuries-old tradition of pilgrimages up the sacred volcano.

Those who'd rather search for picture-perfect views from the less-daunting peaks nearby will be following in the steps of Japan's most famous painters and poets.

Planning tip: The best time to climb Mt Fuji is during its official season, from July 1 through mid-September, which avoids the rainy season and snowfall. Always check for typhoon warnings before hiking in Japan.

5. Hiroshima

Best for introspection

Hiroshima today is a forward-thinking city with attractive, leafy boulevards. It's not until you visit the Peace Memorial Museum that the true extent of human tragedy wreaked by the atomic bomb becomes vividly clear.

A visit here is a heartbreaking, important history lesson. The  park around the museum , much of which was designed by Japan's great modernist architect Tange Kenzō, offers many opportunities for reflection.

But the city's spirit of determination – as well as its food – will ensure that you'll have good memories to take with you when you leave.

6. Yakushima

Best for forest bathing

Yakushima, a small island off the coast of southern Kyūshū , is often described as magical and enchanting – otherworldly even. It's a place where words fail and clichés step in.

Home to some of Japan's last primeval forests, you'll find the yakusugi , an ancient cedar native to the island whose giant roots seem to form alien tentacles.

Hiking trails underneath them cover craggy terrain, often fuzzy with moss. The landscape here is believed to have inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli animated film,  Princess Mononoke .

Detour: When you're not hiking, stop by the  Yakusugi Museum to learn more about the importance of yakusugi  to the islanders of Yakushima. An English audio guide is available.

7. Koya-san

Best for exploring temples

Riding the funicular up to the sacred Buddhist monastic complex of Kōya-san feels, appropriately, like ascending to another world.

There are over a hundred temples here, the highlight of which is Oku-no-in , where paths weave their way among towering cryptomeria trees and time-worn stone stupas covered in moss and lichen.

Other temples offer a different experience: the chance to spend the night, dine on traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine and wake up early for morning meditation with the resident monks.

Planning tip: Though Japanese temples and shrines do not have established dress codes, visitors are expected to stay relatively quiet in these sacred spaces.

8. Okinawa and the Southwest Islands

Best for beaches

Okinawa and the Southwest Islands offer a totally different experience from the rest of Japan. This semi-tropical archipelago forms an arch between Kyūshū and Taiwan .

Until the islands were annexed by Japan in the 19th century, they formed their own kingdom – the Ryūkyū Empire – and the cultural differences are apparent in everything from the architecture to the food.

This is where you'll find Japan's best beaches, like those on the Yaeyama Islands  and the Kerama Islands, with sugar-white sand fringed with palms and turquoise waters. Bask in the sun, or snorkel and scuba dive.

Best for street food and nightlife

Tokyo doesn't nab all the superlatives when it comes to urban experiences. Osaka , Japan's third-largest city, is tops for street food: don't miss its signature dish, takoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings).

It also has the most dramatic of nightscapes: a dazzling display of LED lights, animated signage and flashing video screens along the canalside strip Dōtombori .

The city, Japan's oldest merchant center, has a pace, spirit and zest for life all of its own; its unofficial slogan is kuidaore (eat until you drop).

Planning tip: In addition to nightly accommodation fees, Osaka hotels will typically charge an accommodation tax that varies depending on the standard nightly rate.

10. Kamikōchi

Best for mountain hikes

One of Japan's most stunning natural vistas, Kamikōchi is a highland river valley enveloped by the soaring peaks of the Northern Japan Alps .

Easy day hikes are possible along the Azusa-gawa, following the pristine river through tranquil forests of willow, larch and elm.

The birthplace of Japanese alpinism, Kamikōchi is also the gateway for more challenging treks up some of the country's tallest mountains, such as Yari-ga-take (3180m/10,433ft). Private cars are banned from Kamikōchi, which lessens the impact of the crowds.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated March 2024

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The 15 BEST Places to Visit in Japan (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 27, 2024

From seeing a geisha show or walking the famous Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto to exploring the bustling metropolis of Tokyo or staring out at Mount Fuji, here’s our list of the best places to visit in Japan.

Japan is a close-knit island nation that is known for its beautiful cities, unique food, amusement parks, temples, shrines, hot springs, and more.

Hidden gems and beautiful palaces are scattered around the country, from tiny villages right up to the commercial areas in Japan, such as Hiroshima, Osaka or Tokyo.

Travellers flock to Japan to see the beauty of cherry blossom season, or to hike Mount Fuji, ski in the Japan Alps, eat delectable sushi, and more.

But there are lots of unexpected things to do in Japan as well.

Character or animal cafés, vending machines offering a vast array of items, and aquariums showcasing rare and unique marine life are just a few of the best and most interesting things you can view while in Japan.

Don’t travel to Japan without reading our ultimate travel guide!

Table of Contents

4) Yokohama

9) hiroshima, 12) fukuoka, 13) kanazawa, 15) okinawa, anything to add to this list of great places in japan, the best places to visit in japan.

Overall, there are so many must-see and must-experience places to visit in Japan due to the nation’s rich history, location, and culture.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure you use this list to make the most out of your travel to Japan.

Tokyo, the capitol of Japan, is obviously one of the best places to go in central Japan. While Kyoto is viewed as the spiritual center of Japan, Tokyo is seen as the most popular, busiest, and most significant city in the country, and there is no question why.

If you are wondering just what to do in Japan, it’s common knowledge that starting in Tokyo would have you covered as a perfect introduction to the country.

Of course, the city is largely commercialised and there are endless activities to do, especially if you are looking for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On a clear winter day it is even possible to have views of Mount Fuji in the distance!

It is important, however, to not forget the little things you can visit and explore – from simple and quiet parks to humble and interesting cafés or the occasional shrine or temple.

One unique place to visit in Tokyo would be Neko JaLaLa, a cat-themed cafe that offers more than your usual coffee destination in Tokyo.

There should be no question as to why Tokyo is famous and beloved for its several towers and overall interesting architecture. Buildings like the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree should definitely be places on your travel list.

Both structures are known as Japan tourist spots and two of the best places to visit in Japan.

A trip to the Tokyo Tower offers a beautiful and breathtaking view.

The tower lights up beautifully and elegantly throughout the night, which is also a nice touch and a perfect photo scene.

The Tokyo Skytree offers several experiences throughout its tiers, aside from observation and obtaining a beautiful view.

If you are looking for a less-commercialised and more cultural Japan attraction that is located in Tokyo, the Kaneji Buddhist temple is one of the best things you can do.

Complete with intricately designed gardens, hallways, and statues, this temple is ideal for anyone looking for some relaxation time while in Tokyo.

Also consider taking a day trip to see Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan.

It doesn’t matter if your stay in Japan is for 48 hours or two weeks, visiting Tokyo is a Japan must-see.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Tokyo .

Check out our Japan Vlog on going to a crazy robot restaurant in Tokyo in Japan.

Osaka is a port-based city that is full of interesting museums, attractions, and a fascinating variety of activities for any visitor to Japan.

No tour of the best places to visit in Japan would be complete without a trip to Osaka.

One thing to enjoy about this city is its versatile points of interest, and great opportunities for the Cherry Blossom season.

Whether it be the classic Osaka Castle or a fun amusement park such as Universal Studios Japan, Osaka really seems to have it all.

Dotonbori should ultimately be your first stop due to the influx of street food vendors, arcades, and shops.

After visiting the many wonderful fantasy worlds of Universal Studios Japan, you go go-karting around the streets.

Other popular attractions in Osaka are the beautiful and grand Tempozan Ferris Wheel, the peaceful Expo Commemoration Park, and the educational and intriguing Osaka Museum of History.

You haven’t completed Japan sightseeing until you’ve made your way to Osaka. And from here it is just a short train ride to the famous city of Kyoto.

READ MORE: Check out our detailed guide on the best things to do in Osaka .

If you are looking for elegant cherry blossoms, peaceful Buddhist temples or the occasional Shinto shrine, then Nara is the ideal travel location for you.

Just a short distance from either Kyoto or Osaka, Nara City is the capital of the Nara prefecture and is one of the most captivating and interesting places to visit in Japan.

Shrines surrounded by peaceful, well-kept canals and ponds are a popular sight. As are long the beautiful and friendly deer that roam freely throughout the prefecture – which are one of the most unique things to see in Japan.

It is apparent that Nara might truly be one of the most peaceful, down-to-earth cities in the world.

Nara Park is a central park located within the city that is full of deer that peacefully roam the park. They are a beautiful and adorable sight to visitors.

One staple of Nara would have to be the several palaces, temples, and Buddhist shrines. Todai-ji is a perfect example and is located right in the city of Nara.

This temple is one of the largest in the area, and plays a great role in its history.

Deer are frequently seen in surrounding areas around the temple, which is a nice touch.

By far, the greatest feature with Todai-ji, however, is the addition of the largest known bronze statue modelled after Buddha.

READ MORE: Here’s our ultimate list of things to do in Nara, Japan .

Yokohama is one of the more authentic places to visit in Japan if you would like a taste of Japanese culture, some history, and a tad bit of everything else.

One example of how Yokohama stands out against other popular cities and tourist spots in Japan would be the inclusion of Yokohama Chinatown.

Similar to Dotonbori, the Yokohama Chinatown area is ideal for those who love to experience street food as it is popularly offered and sold throughout the area.

If you are looking to take a quiet and enchanting walk, a stop at the Sankeien Garden in Yokohama couldn’t hurt as well.

A trip through this park can help relax you after a long day of exploring and visiting different streets and locations throughout the city.

The design of the garden is very traditional and reminiscent of older gardens and contains a beautiful pond surrounded by lush trees and shrubs.

One might enjoy viewing the Tempozan Ferris wheel light up at night. And Yokohama offers beautiful fireworks shows available during specific seasons.

Due to Yokohama being a port city for trading, these shows easily take place in Yokohama at the Yamashita Park, and are enjoyed greatly by both tourists and locals alike.

READ MORE: Here’s our brand new article featuring the best things to do in Yokohama .

As Okinawa is known for its glorious beaches, the small town of Hakone is known for the natural beauty of its mountainous terrain, waterways, and hot springs.

By far the most prominent and well-known attraction is Lake Ashi that makes Hakone one of the most fun places to visit in Japan.

The lake paired with other attractions makes Hakone one of the most beautiful and captivating cities to spend some time during your next vacation.

The picture-perfect and relaxing scenery also helps it make the list as one of Japan’s tourist spots. With views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the best places to see and do it all.

Lake Ashi is surrounded by beautiful mountains, which help to compliment the glistening blue water.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is also another great reason to visit Hakone, as it compliments the feel and aesthetic of the place due to the large collection of creative artwork.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Hakone !

The capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is an absolute gem and one of the best cities on our list of Japanese tourist spots.

Whether it’s your first or fifth time to this fascinating country, make sure you spend some time in Sapporo, a metropolis that is buzzing with excitement and culture.

Whether you want to check out Japan’s biggest zoo or visit the marvelous winter snow festival, you’ll find no shortage of attractions here.

It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring more of Hokkaido, so definitely use it as a base to plan your next moves.

READ MORE: Here’s our travel guide to the top things to do in Sapporo .

With destinations like the Nagoya TV Tower and the Nagoya Castle, this area can easily be compared to Osaka and Tokyo based on the famous and must-see landmarks.

There is even a museum dedicated to science: Nagoya City Science Museum.

This museum may sound a bit general. But its complex and interactive activities help engage and educate visitors and is home to what is known as the  world’s biggest planetarium  – making it a famous gem of Japan.

Perhaps the highlight of Nagoya and one of the best things to do is to tour the Nagoya TV Tower.

This tower consists of five floors and is a beautiful sight with its glowing appearance during the night.

The sky deck, which is at the topmost floor of the tower, offers a grand view of the city and famous mountains in the area.

The Nagoya Castle is the heart of Japan and another great symbol within the nation of Japan. You wouldn’t be able to miss this elegant structure in Nagoya.

This specific castle stems all the way from the Edo period and is lined with alluring Japanese artwork that is lit and brightened up greatly by the strategically placed windows and shading.

Be careful to not forget the entertainment halls and theatres, so you can enjoy a great concert or show while in Nagoya.

And if you’re looking for views of Mount Fuji then you can add this place to your list. Nagoya offers gorgeous views of the famous Mount Fuji!

READ MORE: Here’s our list of the best things to do in Nagoya .

While there is much to do on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is almost always at the top of the list of places to see in Japan.

Based on the prominent pagodas, the influx of cherry blossoms, and the rich history included, it is no wonder why Kyoto was once the capital of the great nation of Japan.

Due to the extravagant history Kyoto has throughout wars and harsh time periods, castles and unique Japanese structures have come to cover the region.

By  exploring Kyoto , you have the choice to learn about Japan, its people and its culture in a very motivating, intriguing, and interesting way.

Geishas are also a prominent entertainment force in Kyoto, making it one of the best places in Japan to view a show.

The Sento Imperial Palace is a peaceful palace that offers a tour that is free and is a fantastic way to discover and learn about Japanese palaces and history while exploring the area.

If you are looking to buy some authentic and quality Japanese goods, Kyoto should also be in mind. Many tourists buy keepsakes or tokens from their trip here, as shopping is fantastic.

The Kitano Tenman-Gu flea market is the perfect shop for this as it offers a wide range of products such as intricately designed fans, umbrellas, and yukatas.

Of course, no trip to Kyoto is complete without visiting Fushimi Inari, an important Shinto shrine known for its temple and the thousands of brightly coloured torii gate.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete guide to the best things to do in Kyoto !

Recent history hasn’t been kind to Hiroshima, a city that is most famous for having the atomic bomb dropped on it during World War II, completely decimating the city.

But for such a tragic event, Hiroshima has fully rebuilt itself, and today is one of the top selections for where to go in Japan. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one of the top Japan tourist attractions.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the main feature of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, is one of the best known places in Japan. Memorializing a terrible event near the end of World War II, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the more sacred places to visit in the city.

Nearby Miyajima Island is a fantastic place to spend a day and definitely worth a visit. The Hiroshima Castle is sure to wow you as well.

In terms of unique sights and tourist attractions, the Itsukushima Shrine really stands out, literally, by rising out of the water.

Don’t let the idea of a crumpled city stop you from visiting – Hiroshima is truly an incredible spot to explore.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Hiroshima.

When visiting Kobe, on the island of Honshu, trying their world-famous beef is a must. You can even have it along with Ramen or other traditional dishes.

Kobe could perhaps be the food destination highlight of your trip finding the best places to visit in Japan, aside from Dotonbori.

Another street to visit in Kobe would be their version of Chinatown, which offers another great opportunity to try street food.

The Kobe City Museum is also a great way to explore the great city of Kobe and its history.

Kobe’s most popular harbour known as the Kobe Harborland is the best outdoor hub for entertainment and shopping alike.

The harbour even boasts a beautiful Ferris wheel that adds a nice touch. If you are searching for a more scenic addition in Kobe, you must visit Mount Rokko. Although it pales in comparison to Mount Fuji, there are great trails and scenery to enjoy.

This landmark is favoured both by tourists and locals, and is unique in its structure when compared to various other mountains scattered throughout the great nation of Japan.

Kobe is also located near Himeji Castle, which in and of itself is a top location in Japan. Take a day trip from Kobe to the famous grounds of Himeji Castle!

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to all the top things to do in Kobe !

Otaru doesn’t always make the list of places to visit in Japan. But its canal scenery is so romantic it could even rival that of Italy.

Different vendors and stores offering a vast array of Japanese goods paired with various restaurants help to make the canal a must-stop destination.

Aside from the canal, be sure to enjoy a wonderful experience and performance at the Otaru Music Box.

The Otaru Aquarium can help finish off your trip with some educational facts and a great view of various marine life.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Otar u

Fukuoka is a fantastic city on the Kyushu island of Japan, and well worth a visit on your next trip to Japan.

With great surfing opportunities, a fascinating samurai history and plenty of sumo wrestling matches to check out, you’ll be amazed at all the great  things to do in Fukuoka.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Japan

Kanazawa is located on Honshu Island and bordered by the Sea of Japan. Deriving its name from “marsh of gold” after legend claims a potato farmer dug up gold instead of potatoes in his field one year.

Kanazawa Castle is the city’s most notable feature and one of the best places to visit in the city. It stands tall among various other buildings that were surprisingly spared during bombings in WWII.

The original castle was destroyed in a fire in 1888. But the existing castle still stands after being rebuilt.

Kanazawa is also known for its Edo-period architecture, temples, geishas and cuisine. You can’t go wrong to add Kanazawa to your list of places to visit in Japan.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Kanazawa.

Tohoku is located northeast of Tokyo on the island of Honshu. Very much off the beaten track for most travellers, Tohoku makes the list of best places to visit in Japan for its simplicity and relationship with nature.

Those who travel here know Tohoku for its spectacular coastlines, inviting natural hot springs and intricate cave systems. It is also a great place to see some of the best cherry blossoms in Japan – without all of the crowds you will find elsewhere.

And if you are into studying where modern history meets science, Tohoku is the jumping-off point for exploring the impact of the 2011 tsunami, most notable for it’s destruction of the Fukushima nuclear reactor.

No doubt if you are looking for a place where fewer travellers visit, particularly in spring, then you absolutely must add Tohoku to your list of places to visit in Japan!

Okinawa is Japan’s most tropical island and definitely one of the more unique places to visit in Japan. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal blue ocean water, Okinawa City is a paradise for people of all ages.

A variety of restaurants are scattered all throughout the city, which is perfect if you plan to have dinner and see a show.

Koza Music Town is perfect for those looking for supreme entertainment and shows.

Besides Koza, Okinawa is simply just a paradise for music lovers due to the many different venues and shows that are offered, especially with the famous bars and clubs scattered about.

The Shurijo Castle is a must-see if you are visiting Okinawa. This palace was dedicated to the Ryukyu Kingdom, and boasts a bright red colour and an intricately paved red walkway leading up to the grand entrance of the castle.

If you’re looking for adventure on your next travels to Japan as well, then Okinawa is the place for you. This island is definitely where to go for surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding and swimming with whale sharks!

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Okinawa .

In conclusion, Japan is a vast island nation that is known for its mountain scenery, unique architecture, cherry blossoms, and booming cities.

While travelling there are so many places to visit in Japan and experience on each island and in each city. But it is important to not overlook the small hidden gems in the rural Japan.

Sites and areas like small traditional villages and temples can really add to your overall experience. Whether you visit castles, Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, enjoy a hot spring or two or come to see the natural beauty of cherry blossom season you understand why the island of Japan and its people are so special.

Aside from trying food in Dotonbori and shopping in the popular streets and stores in Tokyo, be sure to mark the small villages, historic sites, and grand areas for.

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, stroll beneath the torii gate of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and find your favorite shrine or temple in any number of smaller villages and towns.

Do you have anywhere else you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below and let us know your favourite places to visit in Japan!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Yes I have read this article and very informative article.

Glad you liked the article 🙂

My Granddaughter dream is to go to Japan since she was 11 years old, May 2022 she will be 18 and graduating High School. I want to take her there as a gift to her, because her dream has not wavered, Problem is, I am limited on income and terrified to go to another country, where I know nothing of culture or the language, I understand it is very expensive. Could you give me advice on what we could do to make this memorable for her..without it draining my bank account and where a lot of people speak English. We are country people dont know to much of the outside world, so this will be a culture shock for us. I want to respect their values as well. Any advice will be much appreciated. Food, Places to stay, Sightseeing, cherry blossom, I am leaning on traveling April 4th 2022.

Hi Connie, What an amazing gift. An experience of a lifetime. I am originally from country WA and know exactly what you mean. Japan can be expensive but it also can be reasonable on the budget side. We have an article that has a lot of information that may help you out but I will add a few more tips in. Travel Guide – https://www.nomadasaurus.com/travel-guides/travel-to-japan/ (at the bottom of this article is lots of other Japan posts) Budget – https://www.nomadasaurus.com/budget-travel-in-japan/

There are a lot of people that speck English in the major cities. But menus will be in Japanese sometimes you will find English but the prices may be more expensive. We recommend downloading Japan to English google translate. This will help you out so much. If you are connected to the internet you can hover your camera over a menu and it will translate the writing to English. You can pick up an internet dongle from the airport and have wifi where ever you go for your stay. They can be expensive. Another option is buying an international SIM card. Just check your plan and that there is no extra costs. Your phones plans may charge you international roaming and this will be very expensive. Happened to me in Ireland when I first travelled, costs nearly $1000. I had no idea. Lucky they cut it down but it was a wake up. Transport – I would look into the JR pass. This is a great way to get around the country and you can use it on local transport within the cities too. The train system is incredible and so comfortable. Stops are in English so you can read where you need to get off and at what stop. https://www.jrailpass.com/maps Getting around cities – I would recommend hopping on a city tour or do a free walking tour to get your bearings and ask advice from the guides. The guides would be able to tell you get (and cheap) local restaurants to try. We try to do this in a lot of cities when we first arrive. Getting the public trains are easy enough to get around the cities. Put some maps on your phone or print out a map before you arrive. Food – There are so many amazing stalls. These are the best local food options. They look a little questionable but if it is busy with locals then go there. We ate at a lot of machine meals. This is when you enter the restaurant and choose a meal off a machine, collect your receipt, sit down and a person will collect your receipt and then deliver your meal. These places were great. Do not miss Kyoto and Nara. We really enjoyed these places. The temples, gardens, traditional houses and the culture. When we got off the plane in Japan we went straight to Kyoto and we were so happy we did. Explore Tokyo at the end of your trip. Hope this helps. If you have anymore questions please don’t hesitate to message us. Japan is an amazing country. The people there are so welcoming and helpful.

These are great places for tourism. I must say, your post is like my tour guide now. Thank you for sharing this post with us. Thanks.

Hi Franca, glad you liked the post. Japan has so many wonderful destinations. Have a wonderful trip when you go. Take care. 🙂

Japan has been on our travel bucket list for years now but already planning to visit next year so this gave me a good idea where to go apart from Tokyo and Osaka.

You need to go Julia. I think you would love it. There is so many amazing places to see. We didn’t spend much time in Tokyo and Osaka as we are not city people. We loved Kyoto for the culture. I know it is a city but it did not feel like it. Stay in Gion District if you go. Was amazing. We would get up early and wonder around. Felt like we were the only people there sometimes. Happy planning.

I’m planning a trip to Japan and your blog has been very helpful so far! The first time I was there I mostly went from big city to city, so this time I would like to try smaller towns and your description of Shirakawa makes it sound so lovely. The problem is that Google Maps is showing me two Shirakawa towns! Did you visit the one in Fukushima or in Gifu? Thanks!

Hi Jennifer, sorry about the late reply. This is in the Gifu Prefecture. Thank you for this. I will note it in the paragraph. 🙂

We are heading to Tokyo for the Olympics in July of next year and have a little more than three weeks in Japan with 9 days at the Summer Olympics. We have been to Tokyo and Kyoto before and did most all of the sites that one would, so the timing of this article was perfect as we were looking for more to explore outside of Tokyo and Kyoto next summer after the hustle and bustle during the Olympics. Thanks for giving us a great starting point with the overview of these prefectures. Much Aloha and Kokua for the insight

Hi Dan, so sorry your comment was missed. I know your plans are obviously are cancelled as the Olympics are postponed til next year. I hope you have rescheduled and are still going. If you have time do check out Nakatsugawa. It has a traditional trail. It is beautiful and not far from Tokyo. Check out Sado Island. The coastline and hiking is so beautiful. You can catch a flight down to Oita Island and explore this off the beaten path area. Lots of onsens and great hiking. You do need to rent a car to get around as transport is very limited. Have a great time when you go to Japan.

Truly your shared all these fabulous places are the best for travelling and tourists can enjoy some time with buddies. I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.

So glad you enjoyed your time in Japan. Thanks for reading. 🙂

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful article. It packed of all the information required for the first time visitors and information mentioned above in the article are more than enough gain knowledge about Japan. The article has surely helped me a lot. It would be great if the images of the all places mentioned above were there. Thumbs up for the effort.

Glad we could help. All the best

Thanks for sharing this information regarding travel and tour. I really found this very interesting. And your blog is very useful for us.

Thank you so much. Glad you found the article helpful. Happy travels

I have visiting a few cities in Japan on my bucket list. I shared the blog. The pics are awesome and I enjoyed reading the brief overview of the different cities. I get excited about everything from historical areas, to scenic, and most of all the food. Thanks for the recommendations of Dotonbori and Yokohama chinatown for popular street food.

Thank you so much David. Natalia wrote a great article and made us very jealous. Japan looks like a wonderful place. We are heading there later this year. We can not wait. 🙂

I really like to share your all these adorable images which views very fabulous and cool. I also spent a really good time at ONOMICHI during my last journey and came back with great memories.

Thank you so much. Glad the article brought back good memories for you. 🙂

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All about Japan: Cool facts and places to see

Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 20, 2024

From Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine to the trendy and youthful Tokyo district of Harajuku , Japan has a wealth of beautiful scenery, delicious food and vast cultural heritage that continues to inspire the rest of the world. In 2019, an incredible 31.88 million people visited the archipelago (or string of islands) on the edge of Asia.

Discover the places, history and facts that make Japan so fascinating.

Taste Japan’s wealth of traditional (and tasty) cuisine at Fukuoka’s food stalls

Excellent and inexpensive street food can be found in almost every city in Japan. However, the delicacies served at the stalls in Fukuoka , a port town on the island of Kyushu, are reputed to be some of the best.

Serving freshly cooked seafood, famously good tonkotsu ramen and much more, the yatai (or food stalls) are a fantastic place to get a bite to eat, chat with locals and experience the charm of this relaxed city.

Experience the frenetic pace of Japan’s capital city at Shibuya Crossing

If any site captures the hectic energy of city life in Japan, it is Shibuya Crossing . The fast-paced scramble intersection outside Tokyo’s Shibuya station is crossed by an estimated 2.4 million people every day.

Held up as a symbol of modern Japan and an equivalent to New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus, Shibuya Crossing has featured in numerous films, such as Lost In Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

Sample a time-tested Japanese recipe for soba noodles at Honke Owariya, Kyoto

Founded in Kyoto in 1465 , Honke Owariya initially sold cakes made from soba (buckwheat) rice cakes. Soon after, however, the establishment branched out into providing soba to Zen Buddhist temples and Japan’s Imperial Palace.

Today, it’s known to visitors as one of the most beloved places in Kyoto for eating soba noodles. Its specialty? Soba noodles with eight toppings: shiitake mushrooms, nori (seaweed), sliced egg, sesame seeds, wasabi, leeks, shrimp tempura and grated daikon.

Watch a Kabuki performance of traditional Japanese dance-drama

If you’re visiting Japan to discover its rich cultural heritage, a night at a Kabuki theatre is a must. This traditional dance-drama, which is recognized by UNESCO and incorporates mime, dance and music, dates back to the early 17th century.

Characterized by the opulent costumes and dramatic makeup of its all-male cast, Kabuki differs from other Japanese performance styles by being initially aimed at the working classes rather than nobility. It remains widely popular across Japan today.

Explore the world of Studio Ghibli in a Tokyo park

In Inokashira Park in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka, visitors will be greeted by a large Totoro from My Neighbour Totoro .

This is the entrance to the Ghibli Museum , a wonderland of gardens, exhibition spaces and artwork from Studio Ghibli’s films.

Whether you’re a fan of the Oscar-winning animation studio or just want to explore the museum and its surroundings, a visit to this serene place is a great day out for children (and adults) of all ages.

Connect with Japan’s spiritual history at the Hall of the Great Buddha, Nara

A renowned spiritual site in Japan, Tōdai-ji (or the Eastern Great Temple) is a must-see in the city of Nara. One highlight is the temple’s Daibutsuden (or Great Buddha Hall), where visitors can view the world’s largest statue of the Buddha Vairocana and other ancient treasures.

Keep an eye out for the tame Sika deer who wander freely around the complex.

Immerse yourself in contemporary art from Japan and elsewhere on Naoshima Island

Once visitors set foot on Naoshima Island , they are likely to find a sculpture, painting or piece of architecture created by world-famous artists.

The idea behind the Benesse Art Site Naoshima is to allow locals and visitors to enjoy art outdoors, rather than in traditional galleries or exhibition spaces. Highlights include a yellow pumpkin designed by Yayoi Kusama (pictured) and James Turrell’s Open Sky installation.

Climb Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain and a source of creative inspiration

At 3,776 metres (12,389 feet), Mt. Fuji is an iconic part of Japan’s geographic and cultural landscape. The mountain was formed by volcanic activity over 100,000 years ago and has since become a site of pilgrimage and artistic inspiration.

Today, active hikers can attempt to climb the mountain between early July and early September each year. The trip to the summit normally takes two days, with hikers resting at a hut halfway up the mountain before continuing their journey in the early hours of the morning.

Enjoy Japan’s practice of “forest bathing” in Sagano Bamboo Forest outside Kyoto

If you’d like to try the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”), there’s no better place to experience it than Sagano Bamboo Forest on the outskirts of Kyoto.

The grove’s bamboo trees aren’t just famous for their towering height. The sound of their gentle swaying was included on the 100 Soundscapes of Japan list by the country’s Ministry of Environment.

If you can escape the crowds, take a moment to listen to this unique and soothing sound.

Meet the Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Yaen Kōen near Yamanouchi

Renowned for its steep cliffs and steaming hot springs, this section of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park has earned the name Jigokudani (or “Hell’s Valley”). However, the valley’s wild Japanese macaques (or snow monkeys) make its reputation slightly cuddlier.

The monkeys are often seen bathing in the hot springs in colder months, when the park is covered in snow. The site is a hotspot for photographers and ecologists from all over the world.

Sample some blowtorch-seared tuna at Izakaya Toyo, Osaka

Made world-famous by its appearance on Netflix’s Street Food , Izakaya Toyo is one of the most beloved street food stalls in Osaka. Here, you’ll find jubilant cook and owner Toyo-san (pictured), preparing his signature flame-seared tuna with a blowtorch in hand.

Grab a seat, order a beer or sake and enjoy some of Izakaya Toyo’s many delicious offerings : fresh salmon roe, sea urchin or the show-stopping seared tuna.

Make friends with the felines on Aoshima, Japan’s “Cat Island”

Fun fact: Japan is home to almost a dozen “cat islands,” where wild felines outnumber the human population. The most famous of these communities is Aoshima, where over 100 cats outnumber their human neighbours by six to one.

Cats were first introduced to this tiny fishing community to keep vermin at bay, but their population has boomed ever since. Aoshima is now a popular attraction for tourists, but residents worry that the influx of visitors could disrupt their quiet lives.

Visit the Japanese forest that inspired ‘Princess Mononoke’ in Yakushima

Located off the southern coast of Kyushu, the subtropical island of Yakushima is covered in abundant rainforest that contains some of Japan’s oldest living trees. Despite a history of logging on the island, forested areas have recovered and form a national park, with some areas recognized as a Natural World Heritage Site.

The lush mountainous landscapes are also famous for inspiring Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki, who immortalized them in his film Princess Mononoke.

Remember the victims of the Hiroshima bombings at the city’s peace memorial

The only structure that remains after the bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (or Genbaku Dome) starkly represents the destruction and death caused by atomic weapons. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dome and its surrounding park are also a symbol of hope for permanent world peace.

Visitors can also learn more about the disaster and its devastating effects on the city at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located inside the park.

Learn about rich Japanese culture and enjoy spectacular views at Kiyomizu-dera outside Kyoto

One of the most celebrated temples in Japan, Kiyomizu-dera (or “Pure Water Temple”) was established in 778 CE. The UNESCO World Heritage Site’s highlight is the main hall, where pilgrims gather to worship at a statue of the temple’s deity, Kannon (or “goddess”) with 11 faces and 42 arms.

The temple’s wooden stage—perched 13 metres (43 feet) above the hillside—overlooks a beautiful view of cherry and maple trees.

Visit one of Japan’s most famous shrines on Miyajima

Unique for being built over water, the shrine and torii gate on Miyajima (which literally translates to “shrine island”) give the impression of floating in the sea at high tide.

The shrine, which dates back centuries, is an important site in the Shinto tradition and features a prayer hall, a main hall and a theatre, which are connected by boardwalks and held up by pillars in the sea.

After sunset, the shrine is illuminated every day until 11 p.m. and is a spectacular site for visitors.

Take a trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen, one of Japan’s fastest trains

The fastest way of discovering Japan, Shinkansen bullet trains are one of the most iconic features of this modern island nation.

First-time visitors to Japan should take the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. Not only will it connect you with Japan’s biggest cities, but it will also give you a fleeting glimpse of Mt. Fuji as it speeds by.

Live like a monk in the Buddhist centre of Koyasan

Dedicated to esoteric Buddhism and home to more than 100 temples, Koyasan is a vast spiritual complex that spans over 1,200 years of history and tradition. One highlight is Okunoin Temple, a sanctuary filled with statues and lanterns that houses the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, a famous monk.

Visitors wishing to experience the simple living of Buddhist monks can also stay in one of the 50 shukubo , or temples offering lodgings to weary travellers.

Take in incredible autumnal views in Hitachi Seaside Park

The small kochia (summer cypress) plants on the outskirts of Hitachinaka City might not look like much for most of the year. However, they take on a fiery red hue each autumn as the wet season ends.

If you don’t catch the kochia in bloom, don’t worry; the park is brimming with other striking flowers all year round.

Fetch your finest hiking boots and wander the paths and gentle slopes of the park, all while taking in these beautiful blooms.

Soak in the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park

Every spring, cherry trees (or sakura ) blanket Hirosaki Park in pink blooms, making it one of Japan’s best locations for appreciating this iconic blossom. The park is also famous for its old Somei-Yoshino cherry tree, which was planted in 1882.

The Somei-Yoshino tree is always in full bloom in time for the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival , a major annual highlight that features a sakura tunnel, illuminated bridges at night, music and performances.

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